1 BURLINGAME CITY COUNCIL
Approved Minutes
Regular City Council Meeting on October 3, 2022
1. CALL TO ORDER
A duly noticed meeting of the Burlingame City Council was held on the above date via Zoom Webinar at 7:00 p.m.
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG
The pledge of allegiance was led by City Librarian McCulley.
3. ROLL CALL
MEMBERS PRESENT: Beach, Brownrigg, Colson, O’Brien Keighran, Ortiz MEMBERS ABSENT: None
4. REPORT OUT FROM CLOSED SESSION
There was no closed session.
5. UPCOMING EVENTS
Mayor Ortiz reviewed upcoming events in the city.
6. PRESENTATIONS
a. PROCLAMATION RECOGNIZING NATIONAL HISPANIC HERITAGE
MONTH
Mayor Ortiz read the proclamation recognizing September 15, 2022 through October 15, 2022 as National Hispanic Heritage Month.
b. BROADWAY GRADE SEPARATION PROJECT AESTHETICS UPDATE
DPW Murtuza introduced Mark Thomas representative Rob Himes and Caltrain representative Alex Acenas.
Mr. Himes gave an overview of the public outreach that was conducted regarding the aesthetics of the Broadway Grade Separation project:
2 • February 7, 2022 City Council Meeting
• City Council subcommittee meeting on June 15, 2022
• Public meeting on July 13, 2022 that focused on aesthetics
Mr. Himes stated that their outreach efforts included mailers, notices, and social media postings including the City’s eNews and Nextdoor.
Mr. Himes stated that for the public meeting on July 13, a website was established for individuals to learn more about the project and submit comments. He discussed additional opportunities for the public to submit comments on the project:
• 65% design – Winter 2022
• 95% design – Summer 2023
• 100% design – Spring 2024
Mr. Himes discussed the July 13 public meeting. He stated that there were 26 attendees and that they received 243 votes on the aesthetics of the project. He added that 89% of respondents were residents of Burlingame, and 116 written comments were submitted.
Mr. Himes reviewed the current design for the Broadway Grade Separation. He noted that it includes four access points to the station from both California Drive and Carolan Avenue, as well as a multi-use, Class One trail that ties into the California Drive bicycle facility.
Mr. Himes reviewed the preferred wall texture for the project. He explained that there were three options with the following vote breakdown:
• Thin Horizontal – 53% - 128 votes
• Stacked Stone – Rough – 19% - 46 votes
• Stacked Stone – Smooth – 18% - 44 votes
• No Preference – 1-% - 25 votes
Mr. Himes discussed the proposed wall tone colors. He stated that there were three options with the following vote breakdown:
• Gray – 37% - 89 votes
• Two-Tone Coffee – 27% - 66 votes
• Uniform Coffee – 34% - 83 votes
• No Preference – 2% - 5 votes
Mr. Himes discussed the proposed arch styles for the project. He stated that there were two options with the following vote breakdown:
• Single Arch – 31% - 76 votes
• Double Arch – 43% - 104 votes
• No Preference – 23% - 63 votes
Mr. Himes stated that renderings and details will change as the design progresses. He showed renderings of the project from various angles.
3 Councilmember Colson voiced her excitement for the design of the project. She asked if the two colors were the only ones offered. Additionally, she asked if most of the people selected gray.
Mr. Himes replied that most structures end up smooth gray.
Councilmember Colson voiced her support for uniform gray.
Councilmember O’Brien Keighran voiced her support for uniform gray. She asked when the next step of intertwining the benches, lights, etc. with the existing designs will be. Mr. Himes replied that they are developing those designs now, and they will be included in the 65% design plans that will be submitted in November.
Vice Mayor Brownrigg thanked everyone for their hard work on the project. He asked about the possibility of under-track crossings further north near the new North Rollins Neighborhood.
Mayor Ortiz opened the item up for public comment.
Jennifer Pfaff voiced her appreciation for all the greenery included in the project. She asked about memorializing the old station. DPW Murtuza replied in the affirmative.
Mayor Ortiz closed public comment.
Councilmember Beach voiced excitement for the new station. She added that she agreed with Jennifer Pfaff about her appreciation for the project’s greenery and the need to memorialize the old station.
Mayor Ortiz thanked everyone involved for all their hard work.
7. PUBLIC COMMENTS, NON-AGENDA
A Carpenters Local 217 representative asked the Council to adopt labor standards.
8. APPROVAL OF CONSENT CALENDAR
Mayor Ortiz asked the Councilmembers and the public if they wished to remove any item from the Consent Calendar. Councilmember Colson removed item 8f, and Vice Mayor Brownrigg removed item 8d.
Councilmember Colson made a motion to adopt items 8a, 8b, 8c, 8e, 8g, 8h, and 8i; seconded by Vice Mayor Brownrigg. The motion passed unanimously by roll call vote, 5-0.
a. APPROVAL OF CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES FOR THE
SEPTEMBER 19, 2022 STUDY SESSION
City Clerk Hassel-Shearer requested Council approve the City Council Meeting Minutes for the September 19, 2022 Study Session.
4 b. APPROVAL OF THE CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES FOR THE SEPTEMBER 19, 2022 REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
City Clerk Hassel-Shearer requested Council approve the City Council Meeting Minutes for the September 19, 2022 City Council Meeting.
c. ADOPTION OF AN ORDINANCE ADDING CHAPTER 6.25 TO THE
BURLINGAME MUNICIPAL CODE, ESTABLISHING A PROGRAM TO
REGULATE AND PERMIT SIDEWALK VENDING; AMENDING CHAPTER
6.24, "PEDDLERS AND SOLICITORS"; AMENDING SECTION 10.32.030, "OBSTRUCTING SIDEWALKS BY OBJECTS – EXCEPTIONS"; AND
AMENDING SECTION 25.42.020(C), "EXEMPT SIGNS – SIGNS INTEGRATED INTO CERTAIN DEVICES"; CEQA DETERMINATION: EXEMPT PURSUANT TO STATE CEQA GUIDELINES SECTIONS 15378 AND 15061(B)(3)
ACA Spansail requested Council adopt Ordinance 2008.
d. ADOPTION OF A RESOLUTION APPROVING A $168,546 PROFESSIONAL
SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH W-TRANS FOR THE MURCHISON DRIVE,
TROUSDALE DRIVE, AND DAVIS DRIVE BICYCLE ROUTE
IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT, CITY PROJECT NO. 86500, AND
AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE THE AGREEMENT
Vice Mayor Brownrigg asked how much public input was put into this part of the project. DPW Murtuza replied that the Bicycle Pedestrian Master Plan had extensive public comment. He noted that some of the implementations are more straightforward. He added that there will be more public outreach as needed.
Vice Mayor Brownrigg worried about the impact on Trousdale as it is a very heavily trafficked road.
Mayor Ortiz opened the item up for public comment. No one spoke.
Vice Mayor Brownrigg made a motion to adopt Resolution Number 116-2022; seconded by Councilmember Beach. The motion passed unanimously by roll call vote, 5-0.
e. ADOPTION OF A RESOLUTION AWARDING A CONSTRUCTION
CONTRACT TO FBD VANGUARD CONSTRUCTION, INC. IN THE AMOUNT OF $585,938 FOR THE BURLINGAME STATION PEDESTRIAN
IMPROVEMENTS, CITY PROJECT NO. 86240, AND AUTHORIZING THE
CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE THE CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT
DPW Murtuza requested Council adopt Resolution 117-2022.
5 f. ADOPTION OF A RESOLUTION ACCEPTING THE BROADWAY
PEDESTRIAN STREET LIGHTING IMPROVEMENTS, CITY PROJECT NO. 85000, BY BAY AREA LIGHTWORKS, INC.
Councilmember Colson asked about additional cleaning on Broadway as the area was getting busier. DPW Murtuza replied that he would talk with staff.
Mayor Ortiz opened the item up for public comment. No one spoke.
There were no public comments.
Councilmember O’Brien Keighran made a motion to adopt Resolution Number 118-2022; seconded by Councilmember Colson. The motion passed unanimously by roll call vote, 5-0.
g. ADOPTION OF A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO
NEGOTIATE AND EXECUTE AN AMENDMENT TO THE AGREEMENT
WITH POWERFLEX SYSTEMS, INC. DATED OCTOBER 10, 2021
DPW Murtuza requested Council adopt Resolution Number 119-2022
h. ADOPTION OF A RESOLUTION APPROVING THE CITY OF
BURLINGAME’S RESPONSE LETTER TO THE SAN MATEO COUNTY CIVIL
GRAND JURY REPORT REGARDING OUTDOOR DINING PROGRAM
ENTITLED “WAITER! THERE’S A CAR IN MY SOUP!”
DPW Murtuza requested Council adopt Resolution Number 120-2022
i. ADOPTION OF A RESOLUTION APPROVING THE CITY OF
BURLINGAME'S RESPONSE LETTER TO THE SAN MATEO COUNTY CIVIL GRAND JURY REPORT ENTITLED: "A DELICATE BALANCE BETWEEN KNOWLEDGE AND POWER: GOVERNMENT TRANSPARENCY AND THE
PUBLIC'S RIGHT TO KNOW"
City Clerk Hassel-Shearer requested Council adopt Resolution Number 121-2022
9. PUBLIC HEARINGS
10. STAFF REPORTS AND COMMUNICATIONS
a. ADOPTION OF A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO
NEGOTIATE AND EXECUTE AN AGREEMENT WITH THE CITY OF
MILLBRAE AND SPIN FOR A MULTIJURISDICTIONAL ELECTRIC
BICYCLE SHARING PROGRAM, AND AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER
TO NEGOTIATE AND EXECUTE A MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING
WITH THE CITY OF MILLBRAE
6 Sustainability Program Manager (“SPM”) Michael explained that in March 2022, the City held a study session to discuss interests and options for a micromobility sharing program in Burlingame. She defined micromobility as an alternative transportation mode for short trips within the city and first and last mile connections to public transit. She stated that the City is working with Millbrae on a joint program.
SPM Michael stated that the City received three proposals and that staff interviewed two of the proposers. She explained that Spin was chosen due to their:
• Local experience – they operate a scooter sharing program in San Francisco and bicycle sharing in Berkeley
• Resilience – Spin is owned by TIER Mobility AG, a large micromobility provider with programs in 21 countries. The company has headquarters in San Francisco and seems to have overcome many challenges facing micromobility programs such as theft and vandalism, high operational costs, and local staffing shortages • Hybrid system with preferred parking zones – their system operates with preferred parking zones supported by parking corrals and bicycle racks. Spin does not offer a docked system option. Staff would work with Spin to identify at least 15 preferred parking zones that would be marked with appropriate signage • User fees – Spin offers less expensive user fees than other companies. Spin proposed $1.00 to unlock and $0.42 per minute to ride. They also offer discount rates for monthly passes, student pricing, and low-income users
• Local staff – They are committed to hiring two local employees to manage the daily operations of the program. Pay for these employees starts at $24.50 and includes benefits • Sustainability practices – Spin’s bikes have a long battery life of nearly 100 miles per charge. The bikes are built to last at least five years. They included a detailed plan for recycling batteries and bicycles at the end of their usage life • No cost to cities – Spin’s proposal is to implement, operate, and maintain the Program at no cost to Burlingame or Millbrae
SPM Michael explained that riders have to download an app, scan a QR code on the bike, review the safety rules, and once you reach your destination, send a photo of the parked e-bike. She noted that parking corrals are different from the parking stations, but believed it is the best option for Burlingame. She explained that the corrals can be an existing bike rack or an area stenciled on the ground where the bike can be parked. She added that the corrals allow for more flexibility on where bikes can be parked.
SPM Michael went over the preliminary locations for parking corrals. She noted that neighborhood parks are prime locations for parking corrals, and the City would work with local businesses that see high bike traffic. She explained that Spin will do outreach to apartment complexes and other businesses to see if they will host a parking corral on their private property.
SPM Michael reviewed next steps:
• Millbrae Council Meeting on October 11, 2022
• Finalize contract agreement and MOU
• Identify parking station locations
• Apply SMCTA grant funds
7 • Outreach to community
• Launch program
Councilmember O’Brien Keighran asked what happens if a bike is not parked correctly. Spin representative Phuong Bui replied that staff aims to respond within two hours of a notice, but the intent is to re-park the bike as soon as possible. She stated that there are 24 potential bike corral locations in the downtown area. She explained that there is an in-app guide educating users on bike usage.
Councilmember O’Brien Keighran asked about student pricing and how that works for a program that has an 18 and over qualification. Ms. Bui replied that the student partnership is with specific college campuses. She discussed the requirement that students be able to sign their own liability waiver. She noted that this requires students to be at least 18.
Councilmember O’Brien Keighran asked how often bikes are checked for maintenance. Ms. Bui replied that every time staff is in the field, they are required to go through visual maintenance.
She added that each bike has 55 sensors that will monitor the bike quality and can take the bike offline if needed.
Councilmember O’Brien Keighran asked about accident rates. Ms. Bui replied that she would need to get back to Council with this information.
Councilmember Colson asked if Spin plans on reaching out to Hillsborough. SPM Michael replied that she would be happy to reach out to Hillsborough. However, she noted that Hillsborough wasn’t a priority because they don’t have any visible corridors for parking corrals, which are crucial to a program’s success. She mentioned that San Mateo and SFO are keeping an eye on this program as they are both thinking of e-mobility programs of their own.
Councilmember Colson stated that Hillsborough has some schools and parks that might be good locations for bike corrals, and Hillsborough might get more use than we think.
Mayor Ortiz noted that if the program is 18 and over, that could exclude most schools in Hillsborough.
Vice Mayor Brownrigg stated that he is looking forward to getting this program started. He asked if Spin will provide the City with monthly usage rates. Ms. Bui replied in the affirmative.
Vice Mayor Brownrigg stated that he would find it helpful to know how Spin defined success for the program.
Councilmember Beach asked about repeat offenders of parking violations. Ms. Bui replied that it is harder to prove moving violations than parking violations. She noted that the first offense is a warning. She explained that there is a 90% drop off rate when Spin reaches out with a warning. She stated that the second notice is a $10 citation, the third is a $25 citation and 24- hour account suspension. She added that to unlock the app after obtaining a suspension, the rider has to review the local rules and pass a quiz with a 90% pass rate in order to unlock the app.
8 Ms. Bui stated that the fourth notice of violation is banning the individual from the program.
She explained that Spin wants to strike a balance between educating riders and scaring a rider away from not riding a bike again. She stated that Spin is committed to sharing additional data with staff in order to help meet demand of local residents.
Councilmember Beach asked about geo-fencing. Ms. Bui replied in the affirmative. She explained that Spin has various geo-fencing capabilities, such as no ride zones, no park zones, and slow zones.
Mayor Ortiz asked if the racks will be exclusive. SPM Michael replied in the negative.
Mayor Ortiz asked how long the bike alarm lasts. Ms. Bui replied that it is five seconds.
Mayor Ortiz asked about deterrence for minors using the bikes and how to encourage the use of helmets. Ms. Bui replied that Spin can put a geo-fence around the high school. She noted that they could have riders scan their driver’s license, but that would increase the cost of the program.
Mayor Ortiz asked about Spin’s experience in Berkeley with underage riding. Ms. Bui replied that Spin hasn’t received any complaints about underage riding in Berkeley. She added that Spin wants to work with local community organizations about rider outreach in relation to helmet usage.
Vice Mayor Brownrigg asked about the underage riding concerning. SPM Michael replied that while some cities have asked that the riding age be lowered to 16, Spin would like to require users to be 18 or older.
Vice Mayor Brownrigg stated that he would like to see the user age lowered to 16. Ms. Bui replied that this is a corporate policy. However, she added that she would take Council’s comments back to Spin.
Councilmember Colson asked if there is helmet recognition software. Ms. Bui replied that the industry is looking into that technology, but nothing has been implemented.
Mayor Ortiz opened the item up for public comment. No one spoke.
Mayor Ortiz discussed allowing minors to take advantage of the program. He noted that he believed that minors would find a way to utilize the program regardless of the age requirement.
Councilmember Beach voiced her excitement for the program. She stated that the other cities and the County will be watching the progress of this program and its implementation. She supported incentives to get the program started on the right track. She liked the idea of subsidized rides for certain qualifying groups. She thanked SPM Michael for all her hard work.
Councilmember Beach made a motion to adopt Resolution Number 122-2022; seconded by Councilmember Colson. The motioned passed unanimously by roll call vote, 5-0.
9 11. COUNCIL COMMITTEE AND ACTIVITIES REPORTS AND
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Council reviewed their committee appointments.
12. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
Vice Mayor Brownrigg asked to agendize pedestrian safety at crosswalks. Council agreed to agendize this discussion.
Councilmember Beach asked to agendize a discussion on Vision Zero Plan. Council agreed to agendize this discussion.
13. ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
The agendas, packets, and meeting minutes for the Planning Commission, Traffic, Safety & Parking Commission, Beautification Commission, Parks & Recreation Commission, and Library Board of Trustees are available online at www.burlingame.org .
14. ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Ortiz adjourned the meeting at 8:34 p.m. in memory of Martha Benson.
Respectfully submitted,
/s/
Meaghan Hassel-Shearer
City Clerk