Parking and Public Improvements Commission
Minutes of December 7, 2023 Page 1 of 3
CITY OF MANHATTAN BEACH
PARKING AND PUBLIC IMPROVEMENTS COMMISSION
MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING
December 7, 2023
A. CALL TO ORDER:
The regular meeting of the Parking and Public Improvements Commission (Commission) of the City of Manhattan Beach, California was held in hybrid format (Zoom Call and in person at City Hall, 1400 Highland Avenue. Manhattan Beach, CA 90266) on December 7, 2023 at the hour of 4:01pm.
B. PLEDGE TO FLAG
C. ROLL CALL
Present: Commissioners Marcy, Vice-Chair DaGiau, and Chair Kirschenbaum
Absent: Commissioner Becker
Staff Present: Erik Zandvliet, Traffic Engineer
Helen Shi, Senior Civil Engineer
Clerks: Fel Cortez, Agenda Host
D. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
12/07/23-1 Regular Meeting – October 26, 2023
MOTION: It was moved and seconded (DaGiau/Marcy) to approve the minutes without corrections.
AYES: Marcy, Vice-Chair DaGiau, Chair Kirschenbaum
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: Becker
E. AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION (3-minute Limit)
Chair Kirschenbaum opened Audience Participation.
There were no participants.
Chair Kirschenbaum closed Audience Participation.
F. GENERAL BUSINESS
12/07/23-2 Receive Public Testimony and Provide a Recommendation to the City Council on the Conceptual Plans for the Manhattan Beach Boulevard at Pacific Avenue Improvements Project
Senior Civil Engineer Shi summarized the staff report. The purpose of this project is to address safety concerns brought forth by the community. Some of the existing conditions that are being addressed are:
non-compliant ADA curb ramps, no crosswalk on the West leg, short westbound merging zone (60 feet), and no protected westbound left turn lane. She provided further details on the differences between the five design concepts.
Vice Chair DaGiau asked if the City is obligated to install ADA curb ramps. Senior Civil Engineer Shi explained that the City is obligated due to State law and Caltrans standards. Traffic Engineer Zandvliet stated that if improvements are made to the intersection, then the curb ramps must be brought up to code.
Commissioner Marcy asked for clarification on the overall cost for each design concept. Senior Civil Engineer Shi explained that the cost varies between design concepts based on the scope of work. Traffic Engineer Zandvliet stated that the City has $1.2 million reserved for this potential project.
Commissioner Marcy asked when Manhattan Beach Boulevard is scheduled for resurfacing. Traffic Engineer Zandvliet stated that Manhattan Beach Boulevard is currently due for resurfacing.
Parking and Public Improvements Commission
Minutes of December 7, 2023 Page 2 of 3
Vice Chair DaGiau asked if there ha d been a study done about how many people turn left on Pacific Avenue while traveling westbound on Manhattan Beach Boulevard. Traffic Engineer Zandvliet stated that the westbound left turn volume is much higher than the eastbound left turn volume.
Chair Kirschenbaum opened public comment.
Harry Andreas (1623 Voorhees Ave ) expressed his concerns regarding five design concepts and believes the best option is Design Concept No. 1. He also asked how this potential project would impact the flow of traffic and shared his concerns regarding implementing a bike lane on the south side of Manhattan Beach Boulevard.
Barbara Johnson shared her concerns regarding implementing a bike lane on the south side of Manhattan Beach Boulevard and how this project will impact the flow of traffic.
Chair Kirschenbaum closed public comment.
Discussion followed on the various design concept options and staff responded to the Commissioner’s questions.
MOTION: It was moved and seconded (Marcy/DaGiau) to recommend Design Concept No. 1.
AYES: Marcy, Vice Chair DaGiau, Chair Kirschenbaum
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: None
MOTION: It was moved and seconded (Kirschenbaum/DaGiau) to oppose Design Concept No. 5.
AYES: None
NOES: Marcy, Vice Chair DaGiau, Chair Kirschenbaum
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: None
Discussion followed.
MOTION: It was moved and seconded (Marcy/Kirschenbaum) to oppose Design Concept No. 2.
AYES: None
NOES: Marcy, Vice Chair DaGiau, Chair Kirschenbaum
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: None
MOTION: It was moved and seconded (Kirschenbaum/Marcy) to recommend Design Concept No.
3. AYES: Marcy, Vice Chair DaGiau, Chair Kirschenbaum NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: None
MOTION: It was moved and seconded (Kirschenbaum/Marcy) to recommend Design Concept No.
4. AYES: Marcy, Vice Chair DaGiau, Chair Kirschenbaum NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: None
The Commission gave staff direction to defer the installation of protected left turn signal phasing until such time as it is justified.
Chair Kirschenbaum stated that there is consensus for staff to consider a dedicated pedestrian phase at this intersection.
Parking and Public Improvements Commission
Minutes of December 7, 2023 Page 3 of 3
OTHER ITEMS
12/07/2023-3 Staff Updates
Traffic Engineer Zandvliet provided the following staff updates on the following items:
The Joslyn Center Crosswalks project will be presented to City Council on December 19, 2023. The Manhattan Beach Boulevard at Pacific Avenue Improvements project will be presented to City Council in January.
The Wayfinding Sign Program will be discussed at the City Council Meeting in February. The Living Streets Manual will be discussed at the City Council Meeting in February. New PPIC Commissioner parking passes will be provided at the next meeting. A new PPIC Commissioner will be appointed at the City Council Meeting on January 16, 2024. A joint City Council/PPIC Meeting is anticipated in January. 12/07/23-4 Commissioner Items
Vice Chair DaGiau asked for an update on the Pier Railing Replacement project. Traffic Engineer Zandvliet stated that there is a fabrication delay. Vice Chair DaGiau expressed his concerns regarding the outages of the escalators in the Metlox parking lot and requested that it be added to the Capital Improvement Projects of 2024.
Commissioner Marcy asked about a signal outage at Manhattan Beach Boulevard and Sepulveda Boulevard. Traffic Engineer Zandvliet stated that this was the result of a vehicle hitting the signal on the northwest corner. The signal was placed on flashing red as the repairs were being done. Commissioner Marcy asked if the PPIC Commissioner application is live. Traffic Engineer Zandvliet stated that the application may still be open.
Vice Chair DaGiau provided an updat e to the Commission on the September and October Outdoor Dining Task Force meetings with a PowerPoint presentation to the fellow commissioners.
G. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 5:21p.m. to the Parking and Public Improvements Commission Regular Meeting on January 25, 2024 at 4:00p.m. at the City Hall Council Chambers (1400 Highland Ave.
Manhattan Beach, CA 90266) and via ZOOM Call.