HomeMy Public PortalAbout20230404 - Minutes - Planning and Natural Resources (PNR)
MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT
PLANNING AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMITTEE
Tuesday, April 4, 2023
APPROVED MINUTES*
This meeting is being held in person at the District’s Administrative Office, and by
teleconference pursuant to Government Code Section 54953.
CALL TO ORDER
Chair Cyr requested that Director Holman chair today’s meeting. Director Holman agreed.
Director Holman called the meeting of the Planning and Natural Resources Committee to order
at 2:00 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Members present: Jed Cyr, Craig Gleason, Karen Holman
Members absent: None
Staff present: General Manager Ana M. Ruiz, General Counsel Hilary Stevenson,
Assistant General Manager Susanna Chan, Assistant General Manager
Brian Malone, Chief Financial Officer/Director of Administrative Services
Stefan Jaskulak, District Clerk Maria Soria, Planning Manager Jane Mark,
Planner II Brittany Wheatman, Senior Capital Project Manager Scott
Reeves, Senior Planner Gretchen Laustsen, Public Affairs Manager Kori
Skinner, and Skyline Area Superintendent Chris Barresi
ADOPTION OF AGENDA
Motion: Director Cyr moved, and Director Gleason seconded the motion to adopt the agenda.
ROLL CALL VOTE: 3-0-0
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
District Clerk Maria Soria reported there were no public speakers for this item.
COMMITTEE BUSINESS
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*Approved by the Planning & Natural Resources Committee on July 11, 2023.
1. Approve the March 21, 2023 Planning and Natural Resources Committee Meeting
Minutes.
Public comment opened at 2:04 p.m.
Ms. Soria reported there were no public speakers for this item.
Public comment closed at 2:04 p.m.
Motion: Director Gleason moved, and Director Cyr seconded the motion to approve the March
21, 2023 Planning and Natural Resources Committee meeting minutes.
ROLL CALL VOTE: 3-0-0
2. Highway 35 Multi-Use Trail Crossing and Parking Feasibility Study located at and
near the North Ridge Parking Area of Purisima Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve –
Review of Project Goals and Existing Conditions/Site Opportunities and Constraints
Analysis (R-23-38)
Planner II Brittany Wheatman provided an overview of the Highway 35 Multi-Use Trail
Crossing and Parking Feasibility Study (Project) history, exiting conditions, project location,
elements and goals, timeline, and scope. Several technical studies were conducted for this
project, including field scouting, boundary and topographic studies, biological, cultural and
historic resources surveys, and a traffic study. Geotechnical studies will be conducted, and those
recommendations will be forthcoming. Ms. Wheatman provided a summary of the findings,
which showed no biological resources of concern, no known cultural resources, low likelihood of
archaeological resources, and no historic structures present. The field scouting identified a
preferred spur trail alignment.
Senior Capital Project Manager Scott Reeves continued with the presentation and reviewed the
process and findings of the traffic study. Mr. Reeves stated that TJKM Transportation
Consultants (TJKM) evaluated the sight distance conditions for the two existing parking area
driveways and the feasibility/design of a new on-grade trail crossing on Highway 35 that
conforms to Caltrans highway design standards. The traffic study evaluated the level of service,
traffic volume, vehicle speed, collision history and sight distances. Mr. Reeves reviewed
TJKM’s recommendations and stated that the work was done in coordination with Caltrans. The
traffic study was submitted to Caltrans for their review and comment, no formal opinion will be
issued by Caltrans until the District submits an encroachment permit application. Caltrans
feedback received to date was incorporated into the final report. Mr. Reeves also provided four
examples of on-grade crossings along Skyline Boulevard, reviewed the Transportation Demand
Management Strategies (TDM) recommended in the Purisima Multimodal Access Study, and
asked the Committee to reaffirm the recommendations as some may have design implications.
He also provided a high-level overview of the key takeaways of the site opportunities and
constraints.
Director Gleason commented the proposal does not include a flashing light at the crossing and
asked for confirmation.
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*Approved by the Planning & Natural Resources Committee on July 11, 2023.
Mr. Reeves stated that the baseline recommendations from the traffic engineer does not include
flashing lights. The goal is to meet Caltrans requirements, and through the encroachment
process, staff will know if flashing lights will be required by Caltrans.
Director Holman asked whether equestrian trailer egress (with the towing vehicle) requires a
longer line of sight because of their length and whether this was something that had been taken
into account.
Mr. Reeves believes the design manual takes into account all types of vehicles for ingress,
egress, and sightline consideration.
Director Holman requested to confirm that that information is included in the design manual.
Director Holman inquired if there was interest for equestrian use during the public outreach.
Mr. Reeves stated that it was hard to gauge since it was not a prevalent topic during the outreach
meetings. The general feedback received is that horses are important, but equestrian use was not
the focus of the meetings. He also noted that historically, equestrian parking has been lower in
this lot than others, though this could be because there is no designated equestrian parking.
Director Holman suggested attaining more information on whether there is a need for equestrian
parking since the option is to either have 2 or 4 equestrian parking spaces.
Director Gleason inquired about the requirements for shuttles at the parking lot.
Planning Manager Jane Mark stated that the Purisima Creek Redwoods preserve shuttle program
has not yet been designed. A shuttle program is being designed for Rancho San Antonino, and
staff will use this shuttle program as a pilot program, take lessons learned, and identify best
practices before working on the Purisima Creek Redwoods shuttle program.
Director Holman inquired if the study for the shuttle program at Rancho San Antonio specifies
prioritizing shuttle parking during the weekday versus weekends.
Ms. Mark stated that a flexible space will be considered for the shuttle program at the Purisima
Northridge parking area, but the program has not been designed. As for whether the shuttle will
be used for specific times of the week or weekends, that has also not yet been programmed. In
addition, Rancho San Antonio is set in a more urban environment, so the public clientele will be
slightly different, affecting level of usage and from where and how often the public is picked up.
The intent for the Rancho shuttle is to have it during peak periods.
Ms. Wheatman continued the presentation and reviewed the stakeholder engagement that was
conducted with partner agencies, neighborhood organizations, and two stakeholder group
meetings that included members of public from two general groups - neighbors and preserve
users (hikers, bicyclists, and equestrians). Ms. Wheatman also reviewed the summary of general
feedback and comments from the engagement meetings. Overall, there has been general support
for the project as long as traffic and safety concerns are addressed. Lastly, Ms. Wheatman
reviewed the next steps of the project.
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*Approved by the Planning & Natural Resources Committee on July 11, 2023.
Ms. Wheatman asked the Committee for their feedback regarding parking capacity, whether both
parking at the upper and lower parking expansion areas should be utilized, and what other
amenities should be included in the Northridge Trail Head. She also inquired about the
Committee’s other considerations for evaluating the on-grade crossing through the next phase of
project work as the conceptual design alternatives are developed.
Public comment opened at 2:56 p.m.
Mike Bushue suggested the two-plus-two equestrian parking, two dedicated parking spots and
two flexible parking spots which provide the ability for people to bring one or two trailers
maximum. Mr. Bushue also believes there is not a conflict of multiple groups using the area at
the same time. He also recommends conducting a utilization survey that shows how many spots
are presently being used for cars at the facility so that the Board can consider how many parking
spots should be considered. Mr. Bushue recommends having flashing lights at the crosswalk for
two reasons, one to give the driver an opportunity to slow down and second, to give the
pedestrian more confidence that they have been seen and can cross safely. Lastly, he
recommends using the lower area for equestrian parking as gated area that requires reservations.
Public comment closed at 2:59 p.m.
Director Gleason suggested that shuttles would be a great addition for the parking area at
Northridge and for the new alignment to the Bay Area Ridge trail to connect people who might
want to hike along trails located on one or both sides of the highway. Director Gleason
commented if this type of shuttle is not provided, the public may self-shuttle to those same
segments and double the parking demand.
Director Gleason commented that the equestrian parking should be as flexible as possible to help
manage the parking during peak times and be able to use the space for a different purpose on
different days. Also, it would be great for different user groups to be flexible in order to
accommodate more cars on peak days.
Director Holman agrees with the notion of flexible parking; however, she is unsure how staff
would determine which days would be best used for the different users and suggested
determining what is the demand. Another consideration would be reserved parking for peak
periods to reduce impacts to neighbors.
Director Holman stated her preference for a signalized crossing to include pavement markings in
addition to shoulder signage.
Director Holman stated that her preference is not to add any additional parking at the lower
parking area, but if parking will be added, there must be some level of screening for privacy
considerations for the resident who lives in this area.
Mr. Reeves stated that staff did meet with the current tenant, who expressed similar concerns
about screening and felt that adequate screening could provide them with privacy from the
public.
Director Holman inquired if there have been any concerns raised about parking in close
proximity to employee housing, such as noise or littering.
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*Approved by the Planning & Natural Resources Committee on July 11, 2023.
Skyline Area Superintendent Chris Barresi stated he has not heard of any issues at this particular
residence. The resident has reported that occasionally the public do come to the door for
assistance with their cars or if the gate does not open properly. Mr. Barresi indicated that he has
not heard of any issues that occur after the preserve is closed.
Chair Cyr suggested not building the parking at the lower lot right now, he also suggests having
pre-arranged parking. Additionally, he commented that a blinking light at the crossing might not
be appropriate because the area is more of a scenic corridor rather than an urban area and noted
that his preference are markings on the pavement.
Director Gleason queried the Committee over their recommendations for cross markings, and
whether they envisioned only using paint or reflectors.
Chair Cyr suggests having triangles marked on the pavement.
Director Holman suggested having a painted word on the pavement, such as pedestrian crossing
from both directions.
General Manager Ana Ruiz stated that staff will take back the feedback of the Committee, and
that the final design elements are contingent upon Caltrans approval. She reiterated that the
Committee prefers to maintain the rural setting and not have urban signage while nevertheless
alerting both pedestrians and motorists to the crossing.
Director Holman noted her preference for the parking is to have 3 cars and 1 shuttle on the
shoulder because the shuttle can unload and leave quickly from this area.
Director Gleason commented that one of the Transportation Demand Management Strategies
(TDM) is proposing to have a bike rack. However, Northridge is difficult to access by bike and
believes that bicyclists may not park their bikes there to hike and noted that it may not be a good
use of space.
Director Gleason commented that one the TDM Strategies suggested providing electric vehicle
charging infrastructure, but it may not be a great addition because it would increase parking
demand. In addition, he suggests using the lower space for parking and recognizes the issue
with privacy to the resident and additional screening would be beneficial.
Director Holman asked her colleagues their thoughts if the lower parking is restricted to only
cars and not equestrian trailers due to their maneuverability and radius.
Director Gleason stated he did not have enough details to accept the suggestion.
Mr. Reeves explained that it would be more economical to invest in equestrian parking in the
upper lot than the lower lot. In addition, the upper lot is also set up for equestrian pull-through
parking.
Director Holman inquired as to whether staff has considered a means to prevent empty parking
stalls for electric vehicles parking.
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*Approved by the Planning & Natural Resources Committee on July 11, 2023.
Chair Cyr commented he does not believe that a charging station is necessary.
Director Holman inquired how many electrical charging stations are presumed and whether they
will be available for only a set period of time to give opportunity to others to charge their
vehicles.
Mr. Reeves stated that he will return to the Committee with additional information on the
charging stations.
Director Holman suggested having parking reservations during peak hours and sought the
Committee’s opinion.
Chair Cyr agreed with the suggestion but shared his concern that it may add limitations to those
who may not have access to devices or application to make a reservation.
Director Holman suggested there may be both open and reserved parking spaces to alleviate that
issue.
Director Gleason requested information from other organizations that have implemented
reserved parking. Furthermore, he suggested implementing reserved parking if other
organizations found success with it.
Director Holman asked staff whether they needed any additional feedback from the Committee.
Mr. Reeves summarized the feedback attained from the Committee such as bringing back ideas
of maximum capacity for parking given the current demand issues facing the lot.
Director Holman inquired about staff’s definition of maximum, would maximum be all cars or
cars with equestrian parking and with the option of flexible parking?
General Manager Ruiz asked Mr. Reeves if it was reasonable to consider a high and low range,
such as 2 equestrian spaces at the low end and 4 at the high end to develop alternatives that can
be brought back to the Committee.
Mr. Reeves confirmed the approach as suggested by the General Manager, and explained that by
maximum, he meant the maximum footprint available in the area. In addition, staff can
incorporate a reservable priority area in the alternatives as one option.
Chair Cyr suggested that parking in the upper section may also be done diagonally to
accommodate more vehicles.
Director Gleason supported providing a flexible range of parking, such as 2 or 4 equestrian
parking spaces. In addition, he is also interested in seeing cases where that can flex to zero in
certain days.
Director Gleason thanked the staff on their ability to deal with the all the complexities of this
project.
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*Approved by the Planning & Natural Resources Committee on July 11, 2023.
Chair Cyr congratulated staff on a very thorough job.
Director Holman agreed that this is a complex project and appreciates staff providing options and
asking the Committee’s feedback, and staff also did a great job with the report and presentation.
ADJOURNMENT
Director Holman adjourned the meeting of the Planning and Natural Resources Committee at
3:40 p.m.
Maria Soria, MMC
District Clerk