City of Mountain View
Minutes - Final
Council Transportation Committee
6:30 PM Plaza Conference Room and Video Conference,
500 Castro St., Mountain View, CA 94041
Monday, April 10, 2023
SPECIAL COUNCIL TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MEETING
This meeting was conducted with a virtual component. All members of the Committee and all speakers participated in-person unless otherwise noted.
1. CALL TO ORDER
At 6:31 p.m., Chair Kamei called the meeting to order.
2. ROLL CALL
At 6:34 p.m., Member Hicks requested to participate through both audio and visual technology under the “emergency circumstances” provision of Government Code section 54953 due to a contagious illness that prevented her from attending in person. She stated there were no other persons over 18 years of age present at the remote location with her. This was request number one of the 2023 calendar year.
By consensus, the remainder of the Committee consented to Member Hicks’ request to participate remotely.
Chair Ellen Kamei, Member Alison Hicks, and Member Lisa MatichakPresent 3 -
3. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE PUBLIC
The following members of the public spoke:
Albert Jeans asked Committee Members to reconsider the necessity of continuing with the Shoreline Bus Lane project while considering changing traffic patterns and Caltrain's operating deficit.
(Virtual) Bruce England expressed support for Albert Jeans' comments and thanked the City for organizing public-facing hybrid meetings.
4. MINUTES APPROVAL
4.1 Approve Meeting Minutes
M/S Matichak/Hicks - To approve the Council Transportation Committee meeting minutes of May 3, 2022.
The motion carried by the following roll call vote:
April 10, 2023Council Transportation Committee Minutes - Final Yes: Chair Kamei, Member Hicks, and Member Matichak3 -
5. NEW BUSINESS
5.1 Latham Street Neighborhood Traffic Management Program Associate Civil Engineer Cheng provided a presentation on the Latham Street Neighborhood Traffic Management Program.
Associate Civil Engineer Cheng, City Traffic Engineer Lopez, and Public Works Director Cameron responded to Committee questions about different methods of traffic calming treatments and whether Latham Street is a bike boulevard.
The following members of the public spoke:
Alex Zahn
(Virtual) Bruce England
(Virtual) Jesse Cupp
(Virtual) Philip Cosby
(Virtual) Cliff Chambers
(Virtual) Serge Bonte
The Committee discussed evaluating additional improvements for Latham Street in the Active Transportation Plan.
M/S Hicks/Matichak - To approve an exception to the minimum 35% return rate for postcard ballots and direct staff to proceed with the Latham Street Neighborhood Traffic Management Program recommended improvements, including speed humps and electronic speed feedback signs.
The motion carried by the following roll call vote:
Yes: Chair Kamei, Member Hicks, and Member Matichak3 -
5.2 Bernardo Avenue Undercrossing
Assistant Public Works Director Skinner presented information on the Bernardo Avenue Undercrossing Project.
Public Works Director Cameron, Assistant Public Works Director Skinner, and Principal Transportation Engineer Obeso (City of Sunnyvale) responded to Committee questions about the Eastern Alternative design's seating, drainage, and pedestrian experience.
The following members of the public spoke:
(Virtual) Bruce England
(Virtual) Jesse Cupp
(Virtual) Cliff Chambers
(Virtual) Serge Bonte
The Committee provided the following comments regarding the project: City staff to coordinate with the City of Sunnyvale on a joint endeavor to incorporate public art into the project, including the mid-undercrossing opening or plaza area in the County property between the expressway and railroad; design of the undercrossing, including the
April 10, 2023Council Transportation Committee Minutes - Final mid-undercrossing plaza area, should be inviting and safe for all users, especially at night; and the Bernardo Avenue Undercrossing should provide designated pedestrian and bicycle zones, similar to the Homer Avenue Undercrossing.
M/S Hicks/Matichak - To recommend that the City Council select the eastern alignment alternative as the preferred alignment for the Bernardo Avenue Undercrossing Project.
The motion carried by the following roll call vote:
Yes: Chair Kamei, Member Hicks, and Member Matichak3 -
5.3 Transit Center Grade Separation and Access Project Update Principal Civil Engineer Gonzales provided a presentation on the Transit Center Grade Separation and Access Project Update.
Principal Civil Engineer Gonzales, Public Works Director Cameron, Consultant Lightbody, and Traffic Engineer Lopez responded to Committee questions.
The following members of the public spoke:
Yashna Peorthum
(Virtual) Bruce England
(Virtual) Cliff Chambers
(Virtual) Jesse Cupp
By consensus, the Committee accepted the project update with the following comments:
supported the Evelyn ramp to Shoreline Boulevard; a raised crosswalk should be evaluated on Evelyn at Castro; project should provide an inviting/welcoming presence with landscaping and art; and the project should include wayfinding and connectivity for bicyclists and pedestrians from areas west of Shoreline Boulevard to the project area.
6. COMMITTEE/STAFF ANNOUNCEMENTS, UPDATES, REQUESTS, AND COMMITTEE
REPORTS
6.1 Staff Comments
Public Works Director Cameron thanked Committee Members for their participation in the Council Transportation Committee meeting, provided an update on Public Works staffing, and introduced the topics for the next Council Transportation Committee meeting to be held on May 15, 2023.
6.2 Committee Comments
Committee Members thanked everyone and expressed their support for the Council Transportation Committee agenda items.
7. ADJOURNMENT
At 9:02 p.m., Chair Kamei adjourned the meeting.
These Minutes were hereby submitted for approval by Laura Lo, Executive Assistant.
Approved on May 15, 2023.