HomeMy WebLinkAboutpcm_01272016 - Final 1 UKIAH PLANNING COMMISSION
2 January 27, 2016
3 Minutes
4
5 COMMISSIONERS PRESENT COMMISSIONERS ABSENT
6 Mike Whetzel, Chair Laura Christensen
7 Christopher Watt Mark Hilliker
8 Linda Sanders
9
10 STAFF PRESENT OTHERS PRESENT
11 Kevin Thompson, Principal Planner Listed below, Respectively
12 Rick Seanor, Deputy Director of Public Works
13 Cathy Elawadly, Recording Secretary
14
15 1. CALL TO ORDER
16 The regular meeting of the City of Ukiah Planning Commission was called to order by Chair Whetzel at
17 6:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers of the Ukiah Civic Center, 300 Seminary Avenue, Ukiah, California.
18
19 2. ROLL CALL
20
21 3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE - Everyone cited.
22
23 4. APPROVAL OF MINUTES —The minutes from the January 13, 2016 meeting will be included for
24 review and approval at the February 10, 2016 meeting.
25
26 5. COMMENTS FROM AUDIENCE ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS
27
28 6. APPEAL PROCESS
29
30 7. SITE VISIT VERIFICATION
31
32 8. VERIFICATION OF NOTICE-Confirmed by Staff.
33
34 9. PUBLIC WORKSHOP
35 9A. Public Review and Input on the Ukiah Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan.
36
37 Principal Planner Thompson:
38 • The Planning Commission is asked to conduct a public workshop concerning the Ukiah Bicycle
39 and Pedestrian Master Plan.
40 • The public is invited to provide comments/input and ask questions about the plan.
41 • No action on the document is requested tonight.
42
43 Deputy Director of Public Works Seanor presented the Ukiah Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan for
44 public comments:
45 • Related to the history of the plan, the City Public Works Department sought funding through the
46 Mendocino Council of Governments (MCOG)to pay for the plan.
47 • After the funding was awarded, the City went out for a RFP and successfully negotiated a
48 contract with Alta Planning and Design for preparation of the plan. Public Works also worked with
49 sub-consultants Whitlock &Weinberger Transportation, Inc. (W-Trans) and Walk Bike Mendocino
50 for assistance with specific parts of the plan.
51 • The goal of the plan is to improve bicycling and walking in the City as an alternate and convenient
52 transportation/recreation option. This plan, when adopted, will replace the City of Ukiah Bicycle
53 and Pedestrian Master Plan that was adopted by the Ukiah City Council in 1999.
54 • Welcomes public inpuUcomments/questions regarding the plan.
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Page 1
1 PUBLIC HEARING OPENED: 6:05 p.m.
2
3 Jennifer Riddell:
4 • Read in the local paper about the workshop today and was not aware the City had a
5 bicycle/pedestrian master plan.
6 • Inquired where she could access the plan to read so as to provide helpful comments.
7
8 Deputy Director of Public Works Seanor:
9 • Advised of various sources to access the plan, including where to find the plan on the City's
10 website. A copy of the plan can be found at the County library and in City Hall Administration
11 building,
12 • The City is receiving public comments from January 12, 2016 through February 29, 2016.
13
14 John Johns:
15 • Is a longtime resident of Ukiah and is highly familiar with bicycle routes in and around the City
16 and alternate routes he used as a child growing up to navigate around town and regionally when
17 there were essentially no bike lanes to speak of.
18 • While he has not reviewed the current bicycle and pedestrian master plan he has reviewed older
19 past City plans as well as plans in other cities and countries.
20 • Related to bicycling:
21 ■ Dora Street has nice bicycle lanes for people to use.
22 ■ What typically occurs in many cities is they do not put the bicycle lanes on the outside of
23 parked cars, i.e., first comes the sidewalk, parked cars, and bike lane. Has observed
24 some places put the bike lane next to the sidewalk where cars can park along side of the
25 bike lane. Is of the opinion the aforementioned approach is a safe way to put a bike lane
26 and explained how so. Does not support putting bike lanes 'outside' of the parked cars.
27 ■ The City has bike lanes that extend north and south, not many bike lanes exist east and
28 west and would like to see this occur.
29 • Would like to see more bike lanes constructed near shopping areas/commercial
30 establishments.
31 ■ Would like to see designated bike parking areas and/or places where bikes can be safely
32 stored in and around the City that are close to services and shopping areas.
33 ■ Would encourage commercial/retail establishments/schools/agencies/organizations to
34 install bike racks that have some sort of cover/shelter for protection purposes, particularly
35 for those persons who bicycle to work and must leave their bikes parked for long periods
36 of time.
37 ■ Would encourage children to bicycle for health purposes.
38 ■ Would like the City to pursue grants to install bicycle parking in `hot spots'/specific areas
39 in town where people can rent bikes and be able to drop them off at some other
40 designated `hot spot' location.
41 ■ Talked about bicycling on State Street and School Street and finds School Street to be
42 dangerous because there is diagonal parking where people can inadvertently back up
43 into a bicyclist.
44 ■ Would like to see more rules enforced regarding bike riding and cited a bicyclist as an
45 example of creating a dangerous situation by riding through every stop sign. People need
46 to understand the rules of the road as it pertain to bicycling.
47 ■ The veterans building provides lockers for those persons riding bikes.
48
49 Commissioner Sanders:
50 • The aforementioned suggestions made by Mr. Johns are discussed in the plan.
51
52 Scott Cratty:
53 • Is a recent bicycle enthusiast.
54 • Had no knowledge the City had a Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan.
55 • Would like to see more publicity about the plan.
MINUTES OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION January 27, 2016
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1 • Had no idea there is an open comment period concerning the plan. As such, there are likely a lot
2 of people who do not know they have an opportunity to comment on the plan.
3 • Visited a place that had great bicycle infrastructure and people biked everywhere. Observed that
4 people were healthy.
5 • Resides on the east side of the Valley out of the City limits and bikes to work on the west side of
6 town. As such, there is a bike lane on the east side of Perkins Street that ends when he gets to
7 the City of Ukiah borders. There are no other bike lanes until he gets to Dora Street in the
8 process of riding his bike to work.
9 • After he is able to review the plan is hopeful it is going to show some nice, clear bike
10 infrastructure paths that go easUwest and a couple that go north/side. Is of the opinion, there is a
11 great opportunity in the City to have a really `bikeable' community with the addition of some
12 `serious' infrastructure for safety purposes.
13
14 Iva Jo Pedersen:
15 • Appreciates that Ukiah has a Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan.
16 • Resides in the County on Old River Road and bicycles on Talmage Road.
17 • Her bicycle wish list includes:
18 • Extend bicycle paths/lanes in the City to include Talmage Road and surrounding regional
19 areas. Many people bicycle on Talmage Road to get to Old River Road. Old River Road
20 has a lot of bike traffic from local persons and persons that come from the out-of-town.
21 Discussed popular bike paths/routes in the Talmage Area that people use.
22
23 Chair Whetrel:
24 • Is hopeful there is some type of bicycle/pedestrian plan that includes County participation to help
25 broaden/shape/scope bike/pedestrian-related projects that connect/link to existing and/or future
26 bike/pedestrian pathways from the City to the County.
27
28 Pinky Kushner:
29 • Related to the matter of the City tying in with the County pertinent to bike/pedestrian pathway
30 projects, one of the goals in the plan mentions County and City tie-ins regionally.
31 • The plan talks about bicycling and walking for a destination such as shopping or to go school and
32 notes in addition there is a lot of walking that is done for ruminating, being able to stroll, etc.
33 • The City of Ukiah is 27.7% Hispanic/Latino and it is part of this culture to customarily walk after
34 dinner or at different times of the day. Finds this ethnic group uses the walkways at Coyote Dam
35 and recently completed City Rail Trail. Recommends the plan introduction mention that
36 walking/strolling or walking for contemplation/walking as a social activity also occurs in addition to
37 walking for the purpose of reaching a designation or for recreation.
38 • Related to walking in the Downtown, noted some former Councilmembers spent considerable
39 time and effort implementing signs in sidewalks that lead/direct people/visitors around the historic
40 Downtown core and this aspect is not mentioned in the plan.
41 • Is of the opinion the public should have access to the City `Fish Hatchery' on Standley Street via
42 a walkable pathway.
43 • Giorno Street, Standley Street and Todd Grove Park loops around and this is a really
44 beautiful/popular walking area and should be mentioned in the plan.
45 • The City View Trail and regional trails i.e., Mendocino-Lake trail and the Valley View Trail should
46 also be included/mentioned in the plan.
47 • There should be a paragraph about how walking is a regional activity along with hiking and would
48 assist with formulating a paragraph in this regard to be included in the plan. Acknowledged
49 regional walking is a tourist attraction and sees the value of encouraging an increased
50 commercial trade for Ukiah and Ukiah Valley. Publicizing Ukiah as a walkable city would assist
51 with increased commerce trade and tourist attraction.
52 • Would like to see a table that effectively lists inexpensive projects and at the top of the project list
53 would be to list the `walk-around' around Todd Grove Park as a popular walking route.
54 • The stone wall around the Todd Grove Park is deteriorating and is a Works Project Administration
55 (WPA) relic that should be protected.
MINUTES OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION January 27, 2016
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1 • Tree canopy is referenced in the bike/pedestrian plan and is an important element to have on
2 pathways.
3 • The plan references sidewalk furniture, but does not mention the obstacles that exist in the
4 sidewalk that impede foot traffic and include utility poles, fire hydrants, etc. A person cannot walk
5 down Perkins Street if one has a stroller because the sidewalk is too narrow and is of the opinion
6 there should be mention of this in the plan and identify a strategy for what measures can be taken
7 to do away with these obstructions. Would like to know what the ADA standards are for sidewalks
8 and whether this information is included in the plan with clear reference to where the City is not
9 compliant with ADA standards. This information needs to be corrected.
10 • The list of coordinating departments that helped to formulate the plan is missing. There are City
11 departments other than Public Works such as Ukiah Unified School District, committees/boards
12 and/or other organizations that were likely involved in the process. Would like to see what
13 comments the aforementioned departments/agencies/organizations contributed to the plan.
14 • According to the local newspaper article regarding the plan states some of the highest ranking
15 projects include `improvements to the intersection of Gobbi Street and S. Dora Street at Yokayo
16 Elementary School that consist of five lanes on Gobbi Street, a roundabout at N. Bush Street and
17 Low Gap Road and improvements to the intersection at Despina Drive and Low Gap Road. The
18 proposed roundabout at Bush Street and Low Gap Road has had a lot of criticism and has not
19 heard of anyone in the community that speaks in favor of the project. Is of the opinion this project
20 should not be part of the plan.
21
22 Chair Whetzel:
23 • Page 24 of the plan has a map that illustrates four walking routes around Ukiah.
24 • Is of the opinion the plan pertains to Ukiah rather than regionally.
25 • Is of the opinion the proposed roundabout at Bush Street and Low Gap Road is not very walker
26 friendly.
27
28 Pinky Kushner:
29 • The proposed roundabout is not walker friendly.
30 • Referred to Figure 16 on page 56 of the plan that shows proposed existing/planned pedestrian
31 facilities and is of the opinion as it relates to pathways and/or corridor networks that there are
32 actually more foot paths than are mentioned in the map. Figure 16 should be enlarged for better
33 understanding and include changes to streets/pathways as it relates to the proposed new
34 Courthouse project with an explanation of how the new Courthouse is going to be pedestrian
35 friendly.
36 • The connection to the Orr Creek trail is included in the aforementioned map, but incorporates no
37 detail. It would be helpful to have an enlargement of this pathway.
38 • People walk to Low Gap Park from the City center/hub and this is a nice walk. Is of the opinion
39 this should be viewed as one of the City trails.
40 • Section 4.2.2 on page 57 of the plan does say sidewalk gaps present a serious mobility issue for
41 those who use assistive mobility devices and strollers and emphasized the importance of
42 identifying the location where disability vehicles and strollers cannot go due to obstacles in the
43 sidewalks.
44 • Referred to page 60 of the plan that talks about improvement recommendations for Main Street
45 and with reducing the travel lane to a 10-foot width to accommodate 5-foot Class II bicycle lanes
46 in each direction and is of the opinion Main Street does not need a bike lane. There is a great
47 bike lane two blocks away that goes along the railroad tracks. Is fine with reducing the travel lane
48 on Main Street and put in more trees. Main Street can function as a secondary thoroughfare with
49 trees that make the street pleasingly walkable.
50 • Likes the idea of `refuge islands' which are likely the same as `center islands' but does not see
51 mention of this and what is to occur in this regard.
52 • Finds the action portion of the plan to be `very weak.'
53 • The section concerning funding is very good but recommends dividing the issue of funding into
54 what kinds of projects could go into which funding category.
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1 • There needs to be some statement included in the plan that notes when there is a new project
2 such as the Talmage Road intersection exchange for the Costco project that the improvements
3 include full bicycle and pedestrian capabilities.
4 • The plan mentions Orchard Avenue as having a bike lane and is of the opinion the Orchard
5 Avenue bike lane should extend from Raley's grocery store all the way to the proposed Costco
6 site. It would be easy enough to do this.
7 • The `plan' is just a 'plan' and is good for a number of years. As such, it is important to think ahead
8 about `things'that would be beneficial to include.
9
10 Chair Whetzel:
11 • Is of the opinion the new City Rail Trail should extend from Raley's to Walmart and/or at least to
12 Hastings Avenue.
13
14 Pinky Kushner:
15 • The aforementioned comment is a good idea and did not see this aspect mentioned in the plan.
16 • Is of the opinion there should be future discussion about having a bike path that extends to
17 Talmage and likewise to Mendocino College and this should be mentioned as part of future
18 planning in the plan.
19
20 Susan Knopf:
21 • Congratulated the authors of the plan and is of the opinion the plan is a good one.
22 • Is pleased with the new City bicycle and pedestrian rail trail and plans for extension thereof. Is
23 pleased with the proposed Orr Creek Greenway project. This pathway is very important because
24 it would connect Low Gap Park, Pomolita School, Ukiah High School and the Russian River
25 Cemetery, Mendocino County Administrative offices and the City baseball field that exists across
26 Highway 101.
27 • While not exactly a designated pathway, is also pleased to have a walking path that goes around
28 Todd Grove Park. This route is used all the time. The problem with this pathway is no one knows
29 when someone may back up and not see the person walking the pathway behind. The ideal
30 condition would be to have the path go around the outside of the protective wall of the park. This
31 would create a buffer zone for the walkers. To get this initiated could begin with some parking
32 striping to get people used to not parking up against the protective wall.
33 • The `ranking/prioritizing of standards' for pathways should be revised because people have
34 different reasons for walking, i.e., strolling, a specific destination, recreational purposes, etc.
35 • Related to ranking of standards for pathways, the Todd Grove path is one block away from
36 Pomolita Middle School, a half of block away from a nursery school, and the Lutheran Church is
37 located in the same area. While a walkable pathway to Anton Stadium and Giorno street is also
38 located in the same vicinity, this is not mentioned in the plan and is a well-used walking pathway
39 route that interconnects with the Todd Grove Park pathway and other pathways in the area.
40 These areas/neighborhood interconnect with one another and are regularly used by people to get
41 to the ballpark, municipal swimming pool, golf course clubhouse and/or other places as they walk
42 around the community. Finds it important to interconnect these popular walking routes by
43 establishing an interface by better defining how such routes should be addressed as a future
44 detail in the plan.
45 • Noted the Assembly of God Church is included in the Todd Grove Park route.
46 • Would support changing the bicycle/pedestrian plan title to the `Walk `n Roll Plan.'
47 • As a pedestrian, the biggest issue she has concerns sidewalk obstructions that exist everywhere
48 such as signs, utility poles and/or utility related facilities, fire hydrants, etc.
49 • Would like to see a minimum of 5-foot sidewalks with no obstructions with 2-foot planting strip
50 between the curb and the sidewalk. This would be a place where the existing obstructions can be
51 placed. Is not requesting an extreme retrofit take place of all City sidewalks but rather for new
52 construction and with necessary repairs/improvements that need to be done overtime to better
53 the condition of the sidewalks for safety and ease of navigate for pedestrians.
54 • Would support having more trees on established walk/bicycle trails since most people typically
55 use these trails during the day as opposed to night-time and this would provide shade on these
MINUTES OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION January 27, 2016
Page 5
1 trails. Providing for trees on new rail trails should be made a requirement and effectively
2 engineered to accompanying trees for shade purposes.
3
4 Bruni Kobbe:
5 • Finds the Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan to be a good overview of all the information
6 collected by the various participating groups, i.e., trail groups and bike/pedestrian groups.
7 • The plan document mentions a 1999 and 2012 bike/pedestrian plan. Is not clear whether these
8 former plans included regional areas and/or what has been accomplished since this time. Are we
9 just repeating what has been written or is another study the intent using the same
10 criteria/information/issues mentioned in the former plans?Will the goals be the same?
11 • Likes the new NWP Rail Trail and supports expansion thereof.
12 • Finds the plan `short' on the `action' section of the plan and how funding for bike/pedestrian
13 projects is to be appropriated and recommends improving this category.
14 • One general observation is that bicyclist and pedestrians have to be kept away from cars and not
15 the other way around. Again, cars need to be kept away from pedestrians. Cited an example at
16 the intersection of Grove Avenue and N. Dora Street where the suggestion is to eliminate one
17 pedestrian crossing and this would encumber pedestrians.
18 • Talked about the proposed extension of Clay Street connecting to Peach Street that will cross
19 over the railroad tracks and possibly beyond to Orchard Avenue and the plans for pedestrian
20 crossings.
21
22 Deputy Director of Public Works Seanor:
23 • The Clay Street extension project will include sidewalks on both sides of the street.
24
25 Bruni Kobbe:
26 • It would be a major accomplishment for the Clay Street extension to have sidewalks as part of the
27 project.
28 • Would like to make the Clay Street extension `walkable' and `bikeable' and is of the opinion
29 beginning at the railroad crossing on Clay street that proposed access continuing to Peach Street
30 be for pedestrians and bicyclists only and not for cars. Cars should be able to go around to
31 Perkins Street and to Orchard Avenue and/or to other connecting streets rather than via the Clay
32 Street extension to Peach Street. It is easier for cars to take alternative routes than it is for
33 pedestrians. This is the opportunity to make a statement about promoting walkability and
34 bicycling in our community. Related to the proposed Hospital Drive extension continuing to the
35 new Courthouse site that is located in the same vicinity as the historical Railroad Depot should be
36 strictly for pedestrian and bicycle use. Construction of a street in this area would destroy the
37 existing pocket park and the only riparian area that was successfully restored in an otherwise
38 once barren site we have in the Downtown. While streets are necessary to help drivers get
39 around town, pathways and sidewalks for pedestrians and bicyclists can be an effective way to
40 navigate around town in a safe manner and at the same time promotes good health. Supports the
41 concept of promoting walkability and bicycling in our community where people have the option of
42 getting out of their cars. We do not need a street every 100 yards for cars and is of the opinion
43 this is `last century thinking.'
44 • Related to street extensions in the Perkins Street/Hospital Drive/Main Street/Clay
45 Street/Stephenson Street area, it is important to protect Gibson Creek. In fact, a promise was
46 made that Gibson Creek would be `daylighted' in the Downtown area and explained where this
47 can occur such that the opportunity exists to make this a walkable area. This might be a long term
48 project but the effort should be made. If not asked for, we do not get it.
49 • If we are serious about walkability in our community creeks must be considered. Is pleased we
50 have a group working on the Orr Creek Greenway project.
51 • That part of Gibson Creek that flows through the Downtown is in dire need of some help.
52 • The plan should mention the importance of considering and tying in of the regional aspects of
53 providing for pedestrian and bicycle facilities outside of the Downtown and City limits by
54 interconnecting pathways and bicycle lanes City to County.
55 • Public should have access to the City Fish Hatchery in the Western Hills.
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1 • Consider a methodology for allowing the public to cross the Ukiah Municipal Golf Course that
2 could enhance connectivity with other existing pathways in the area.
3 • The intersection of Gobbi Street and Orchard Street was safer before the traffic light was
4 installed.
5
6 Phil Baldwin:
7 • While there may be prefunding available for the proposed Streetscape Road Diet Plan for State
8 Street, the project`is not a done deal.'
9 • While he has not read the Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan appreciates the hard work that has
10 gone into formulating it.
11 • Has no knowledge whether or not the Streetscape Road Diet Plan that involves 10 blocks of
12 State Street adversely conflicts with the City of Ukiah Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan and is
13 hopeful there is no conflict.
14 • Essentially questions how diagonal parking fits in with a high quality bike path. Given that MCOG
15 has set aside between one or two million dollars for the streetscape improvemenUrenovation
16 project for State Street this represents a `radical' change. There is a significant element in our
17 community that will oppose the aforementioned Streetscape Road Diet Plan. If the proposed
18 project does not move forward, the money would be sent back to MCOG.
19 • Has observed in residential zones that people do not walk on sidewalks but rather in the streets
20 and this may be because many City sidewalks are not wide enough and there is often shrubbery
21 that impedes travel.
22 • Is pleased the Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan focuses on the Downtown area. The closer
23 people get to the higher traffic areas the more people do walk on sidewalks rather than on the
24 streets.
25 • Another issue is how to provide better connecting access to the beautiful new City Riverside
26 Park. Believes Councilmember Crane recommended reconfiguration of Gibson Creek to its
27 original passageway could initiate improved access to Riverside Park and explained in more
28 detail how this could occur.
29 • It may be a pedestrian pathway that follows Orr Creek can be created that goes under the
30 freeway provided it is not located in the floodway zone that would disallow such a project to
31 occur.
32
33 Daphne MacNeil:
34 • Many of her comments have been made by other public speakers this evening.
35 • A reason people walk in the street may be because the driveway aprons are so steep that make
36 navigating effectively and safely on sidewalks difficult for persons pushing strollers, aided by
37 crutches, etc.
38 • Has concern about the State Street Diet plan and finds diagonal (angled) parking to be hazardous
39 to bicyclists. Tinted car window makes it difficult to see when a car is pulling out of the parking
40 space where she could potentially be hit by a car. When people back up, they are typically not
41 looking for bicyclists. Would not personally want to ride a bike on State Street if there is angled
42 parking. School Street has angled parking.
43
44 Pinky Kushner:
45 • Commented on the `new way' of planning streets. Holland is removing sidewalks and effectively
46 comingling/orchestrating the maneuvering/traveling of cars, pedestrians and bicycles. The
47 appearance of people and bicycles in streets forces cars to slow down/stop and wonders if our
48 City Planning/Public Works staff could talk about the Holland plan and why the City is going in the
49 direction of 50s thinking when we are talking about the planning of streets.
50
51 Deputy Director Public Works Seanor:
52 • There is a section of the Vehicle Code that addresses in places where sidewalks do not exist,
53 pedestrians are supposed to walk on the side of the street facing traffic. This is the safest
54 approach because people have a good view of oncoming traffic and provided examples of
55 locations where this occurs in town.
MINUTES OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION January 27, 2016
Page 7
1 • Most funding comes through MCOG originating from Caltrans and acceptance of this funding
2 requires the City follow State standards with regard to streets/sidewalks. The other aspect is that
3 Caltrans funding allows recipients to look at what they call `complete streets' and this pertains to
4 all modes of transportation on a street that include vehicles, bicycles, and pedestrians as well as
5 ADA curb compliant ramps on street corners.
6
7 John Johns:
8 • Related to bicycle trails on City streets in the Downtown area such as School Street, State Street
9 and Main Street supports these streets have bike lanes particularly to provide availability for
10 bicycles to get to stores and services.
11 • Again supports parallel parking where the bike lane is located between the parked cars and the
12 sidewalk for safety purposes.
13 • Supports having bicycle racks at various locations in town that would assist employees and
14 visitors.
15 • Likes what Holland is doing by having infrastructure in place to safely allow the intermingling of
16 vehicles, pedestrian and bicycles.
17 • Supports having a bike trail in the Riverside Park area along the Russian River that connects with
18 the BMX sports track, Gobbi Street and beyond to Dora Street and Highland Avenue. There could
19 be a bike trail that essentially extents from Barnes Street and/or vicinity to Todd Grove Park that
20 leads to Dora Street and Ukiah southward. As a child, he took many back roads routes on bicycle
21 such as on Helen Avenue where Nokomis Elementary School is located to the former Hillside
22 Hospital to where Grace Hudson Elementary is now located and onward to the Oak Knoll area.
23 • Would like to see a bike route from Low Gap Road to the Ukiah Municipal Golf Course. There
24 could be a bike route from Low Gap Road to the Ukiah High School to Lovers Lane.
25 • Questions whether or not it is actually doable/feasible to have a bike lane that extends on State
26 Street from Grace Hudson School to the Downtown area supports the possibility.
27 • It is a good idea to tie-in County regional pedestrian/bike facilities with City if possible.
28
29 Chair Whetzel:
30 • The aforementioned routes discussed above are documented on page 50 of the plan (Figure 15:
31 Proposed Bicycle Facility).
32 • Noted areas located in the County are not included in the plan although there is a narrative about
33 tying in County regional areas with the City as it relates to possibly connecting pedestrian/bicycle
34 pathways/lanes.
35
36 Pinky Kushner:
37 • The scenario of having pedestrian/bicycle lanes and vehicles and then the center of the road
38 where the action is simultaneously occurring is a very interesting concept. Referred to Golden
39 Gate Park in San Francisco and noted Kennedy Drive used to be a speedway for horses and was
40 originally designed as such. When cars came along Kennedy Drive became a real speedway. A
41 few years ago this entire roadway was reconfigured. Cars that park along Kennedy Drive in
42 Golden Gate Park have to parallel park in what appears to be the middle of their lane of travel.
43 The bicycles navigate on the inside of the roadway and pedestrians operate further beyond this. It
44 is amazing to see how pedestrians, bicyclists and vehicles navigate harmoniously. It was
45 confusing in the beginning and it took some educating, but now it works perfectly, particularly with
46 drivers learning to park without the curb to match up against. The speed on Kennedy Drive is now
47 15 mph.
48 • Related to funding, many communities fund their roadway improvements through collecting
49 money from parking meters and parking tickets. Parking meter and parking ticket money for the
50 City of Ukiah goes to the Police Department and is part of the Police Department budget. Would
51 like to investigate why this money is appropriated to the UPD.
52
53
54 Break: 7:05 p.m.
55 Reconvene: 7:10 p.m.
MINUTES OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION January 27, 2016
Page 8
1 Susan Knopf:
2 • The issue with roundabouts is that people do not know how to use them.
3
4 Chair Whetzel:
5 • Roundabouts do not appear to be pedestrian friendly.
6 • The problem concerning the proposed roundabout on Low Gap Road is related to the stop signs
7 on Despina Drive where people would be stopped in the circle on Bush Street going nowhere
8 because the stop sign on Despina Drive backs everyone up. Finds what presently happens is
9 traffic backs up all way down to Bush Street. As such, is of the opinion a roundabout would not
10 work and is not a good idea.
11
12 Susan Knopf:
13 • Related to roundabouts, crosswalks come before the circle and explained how roundabouts
14 should be used.
15
16 John Johns:
17 • Questions if there are plans to have a bike lane from Mill Street to Dora Street.
18
19 Chair Whetrel:
20 • The intent of the plan is to likely consider a specific portion of the City and `make it all flow' in
21 terms of providing for pedestrian walkways and bicycle lanes having interconnecting networks
22 with certain City streets.
23
24 PUBLIC HEARING CLOSED: 7:20 p.m.
25
26 Commissioner Sanders:
27 • Referred to page 93 of the plan, section 5.5 would like information regarding priority project
28 sheets:
29 ■ NWP Rail Trail Project Phase 2 (Gobbi Street to Commerce Drive)
30 ■ Clay Street/Peach Street Improvements and NWP Crossing
31 ■ Gobbi Street Bike Lanes (Oak Street to Dora Street)
32 ■ Orr Creek Greenway Feasibility Study
33 ■ Orchard Avenue Bike Lanes (Gobbi Street to Perkins Street)
34 • Referencing past plans, i.e., 1999 and 2012, inquired if some of the aforementioned bullets are
35 carryovers from prior plans. While the Orr Creek Greenway Feasibility Study scored high in
36 terms of importance is lower on the priority list and does not know if the projects are ranked in
37 order of priority.
38
39 Deputy Director Public Works Seanor:
40 • Does not know for sure if the aforementioned projects are ranked by priority. However, does
41 recall at a Pedestrian and Bicycle Master Plan workshop a couple of years ago that the NWP
42 Rail Trail Phase 2 and Orr Creek Greenway Feasibility Study were the top two projects.
43 • Since the Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan was published, funding for the NWP Rail Trail
44 Project Phase 2 has been received and is currently going through the initiating process. This
45 process takes a while because the project is federally funded and must go through all the
46 design, environmental and construction phases of processing.
47 • Will respond to some of the other aforementioned comments made above.
48
49 Chair Whetzel:
50 • Are there plans to have `right-of-way connectors' to the NWP Rail Trail from the trail to Waugh
51 Lane and Talmage area and would there be some main thoroughfare to get onto the trail?
52 • The area on Leslie Street and Clay Street is related to the proposed new Courthouse project and
53 assumes this is the reason for the proposed street extensions.
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1 • Is the Courthouse project a State project?As such, does the community have any input regarding
2 the feasibility of providing for bicycling/walking facilities in this area or does the State have its own
3 plan in this regard.
4
5 Deputy Director Public Works Seanor:
6 • Rail Trail connectors/thoroughfares are likely associated with private property where the City has
7 no access so some type of agreement would have to be worked out.
8 • One possible access to the west side of the proposed Rail Trail is where Cherry Street dead-ends
9 right near the proposed trail.
10 • Confirmed the Clay Street/Stephenson Street/Hospital Drive extensions are related to the new
11 Courthouse project. The Clay Street crossing would provide a connector to the extension of
12 Hospital Drive that is in the area of the proposed new Courthouse.
13 • Confirmed the new Courthouse project is a State project. The State has been working with City
14 Planning and Public Works staff concerning pedestrian access through the site.
15 • Related to the question whether or not some of the projects listed on Priority Project Sheet are
16 carry-overs from previous plans noted the Clay StreeUPeach Street improvement project was
17 identified in the Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan that was approved in 1999.
18 • Related to priority project— Orchard Avenue Bike Lanes (Gobbi Street to Perkins Street), project
19 has not been completed for this stretch and is still on the books that is specifically addressed on
20 page 98 of the Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan.
21 • The stretch of the Rail Trail from Gobbi Street to Commerce Drive is identified as NWP Rail Trail
22 Project Phase 2.
23 • The Orr Creek Greenway Feasibility Study is a new project and was not included in previous
24 plans.
25
26 Commissioner Sanders:
27 • Related to the Orr Creek Greenway Feasibility Study referenced on page 96 of the Bicycle and
28 Pedestrian Master Plan inquired why there was no cost attributed to the Orr Creek Greenway
29 project. Noted some projects ascertain cost estimates, but the Orr Creek Greenway project does
30 not and it would be helpful to have an idea about the cost.
31
32 Commissioner Watt:
33 • Referred to pages 82 and 84 of the plan, Table 26: Prioritization Criteria and Table 28:
34 Prioritization Matrix, and the criteria for schools, recreation, employment/shopping, safety and
35 connectivity/the associated point allocation system and inquired how the criteria `themselves' is
36 selected? How is the Prioritization Matrix table developed?
37 • Related to the criteria table concerning `Connectivity' where it may be a pedestrian or bikeway
38 network facility is somehow impaired such that small changes could be done to improve it where
39 the end result allows the facility to function better collectively overall and benefits the community
40 and is this aspect addressed in the plan? This is one idea he has. More specifically as it relates to
41 the concept of`Connectivity' in association with a particular pedestrian or bikeway network facility
42 that with a few `tweaks' might make the facility function better so it benefits the community and
43 satisfies the criteria for 'connectivity' as provided for in prioritization matrix and is this how the
44 prioritization matrix is formulated/correlated with the criteria table? One idea that may be an
45 example of `connectivity' is to plant trees to improve the quality of the facility, such as for a
46 pedestrian/bicycle pathway. This would be a small change that would improve the quality of the
47 facility.
48 • Related to that section of E. Gobbi Street where a person leaves the City limits just past Oak
49 Manor Park between this area and Riverside Park inquired if this is a County jurisdiction?
50 • Related to the Streetscape plan for State Street, presumes it is intended to slow down traffic and
51 make this street more pedestrian friendly and less congested and inquired if the environmental
52 analysis is complete? Has consideration been given to how the State Street improvement plan
53 might push traffic onto other corridors? If the improvements slow down traffic on State Street
54 people are going to look for other ways to navigate around. Right now Dora Street provides this
55 accommodation.
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1 • It appears the bicycle facilities that are being proposed for other north/south thoroughfares should
2 consider the potential impact the Streetscape Improvement project to State Street in the
3 Downtown area might have on these facilities.
4 • Related to the `Prioritization Criteria' in the plan concerning other facilities where people gather
5 like churches asked if this criteria was looked at in addition to the criteria for `schools,'
6 'recreation,' etc.? There are other places people go quite often to gather and should likely be a
7 consideration.
8 • Would like the opportunity to review the Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan again.
9 • Would like more copies of the plan to be distributed in fundamental locations so more
10 people/agencies have the opportunity to review and provide input.
11
12 Deputy Director Public Works Seanor:
13 • Will research the answer to the aforementioned inquiry regarding the cost analysis for the Orr
14 Creek Greenway project.
15 • The evaluation criteria and prioritization matrix tables were developed by the consultants and
16 cannot say exactly how this was done other than the consultants have done many bicycle and
17 pedestrian master plans where it is likely the tables were developed when considering what
18 information a plan should contain.
19 • Confirmed the Oak Manor subdivision is the City limits. Beyond this area is County jurisdiction.
20 Riverside Park is City jurisdiction that roughly consists of one-third/one quarter of a mile stretch
21 down E. Gobbi Street. Babcock Lane is County jurisdiction.
22 • The environmental analysis required for the Ukiah Downtown Streetscape Improvement Plan has
23 been completed.
24 • How the Streetscape Improvement project might affect other street corridors would be addressed
25 in the environmental document with Caltrans assistance.
26
27 Chair Whetzel:
28 • It appears the consensus of the public speakers did not hear about the workshop tonight until
29 they read it in the paper today.
30 • Was hoping to hear comments from the authors/consultants of the Bicycle and Pedestrian Master
31 Plan. It would be beneficial to have the consultants available to answer questions.
32 • Would like to see a PowerPoint presentation with map representation as a visual aid for better
33 understanding of the existing/proposed bicycle/pedestrian facilities.
34 • Is of the opinion another workshop is necessary having a 'little more detail' so the Planning
35 Commission can make a sound and informed decision/recommendation about the plan.
36 • Would like the opportunity for the Planning Commission to review the plan again with more detail
37 as to what we are looking at in the way of adopting a valuable/helpful/effective plan.
38
39 Commissioner Sanders:
40 • Providing a workshop having more detail would give her a little more detail to make a
41 decision/recommendation about the plan.
42 • It is important the public get their questions answered.
43 • It may be more copies of the plan should be made readily available for the public to review at
44 various locations/related-agencies.
45
46 Deputy Director Public Works Seanor:
47 • The intent of tonighYs workshop was to hear and consider comments from the public.
48 • Public comments regarding the Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan are welcomed through to
49 February 29, 2016 where the intent is to take the comments and report back to the Ukiah City
50 Council.
51 • Based on public input tonight made the following comments:
52 ■ Related to copy of plan distribution, copies were made available to the Planning
53 Commission, City Council, City Traffic Engineering Committee, Paths, Open Space, and
54 Creeks Commission, Parks, Recreation and Golf Commission, a copy is available at City
MINUTES OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION January 27, 2016
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1 Hall Administration Building, at the public library and is posted on the City of Ukiah
2 website. Extra copies of the plan can be made for distribution purposes.
3 • Emailed people he knew are familiar with trails/bicycle facilities. Good effort was made to
4 get the word to the public about the plan.
5 ■ Related to the possibility of the Rail Trail being extended from Raley's to Talmage, noted
6 our local community has worked with MCOG to formulate a Rail Trail Feasibility Plan
7 which shows the trail extending from Lake Mendocino Drive south through Ukiah so this
8 plan is in the works. As noted above since preparing this plan, the City has received
9 funding for Phase 2 of the Rail Trail that will extend the trail from Gobbi Street to
10 Commerce Drive.
11 ■ Creating a walking path to Riverside Park is a consideration that would require
12 coordination with the County of Mendocino.
13 • ADA compliant ramps are being implemented. There have been two major sidewalk
14 projects, one on Mendocino Drive along the Yokayo Elementary School frontage and
15 another along the sidewalk frontage at the Fairgrounds.
16 ■ Since the previous Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan was adopted, striped bicycle
17 lanes have been installed on Gobbi Street from Orchard Avenue to Oak Manor Drive with
18 an additional bike trail established at Oak Manor Park and more the recently completed
19 Phase 1 NWP Rail Trail from Clara Avenue to Gobbi Street.
20 ■ The Streetscape Improvement project on State Street is non-contradictory to the Bicycle
21 and Pedestrian Master Plan. The Streetscape Improvement project is discussed in the
22 plan document.
23 ■ One of the people reasons walk in the street is there is a lot of shrubbery along sidewalks
24 that impede travel. It is the property owner's responsibility to trim/prune shrubbery along
25 sidewalks although City public works street crew will also assist in this regard, if
26 necessary.
27 ■ Related to the concern about diagonal parking with the Streetscape project confirmed
28 there will be no diagonal parking on State Street.
29 ■ Likes the idea of providing a tree canopy along the new section of the Rail Trail, but must
30 comply with Caltrans standards as it relates to physical clearance from the edge of the
31 trail to any obstructions. The number of trees that could be planted would have to be
32 determined based on necessary spacing.
33 ■ Would be happy to come back to the Planning Commission for another meeting
34 concerning the Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan that would include a PowerPoint
35 presentation.
36
37 Commissioner Watt:
38 • Is there outreach and education components related to bicycle safety and traffic laws with the
39 community schools integrated into the plan?
40
41 Commissioner Sanders:
42 • The educational programs talked about in the plan do include collaboration with the County in this
43 regard.
44
45 Deputy Director Public Works Seanor:
46 • Referred to pages 71 through 73 of the plan and confirmed outreach and education programs
47 related to bicycle safety and traffic laws in connection with community schools are addressed in
48 the plan and in the community via the Bicycle and Safety Commission.
49 • Confirmed educational programs do include County agencies, such as the County Public Health
50 Department.
51
52 Commission Consensus:
53 • Would like for the Planning Commission to revisit the Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan with
54 more clarification and public notification.
55
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1 10. PLANNING DIRECTOR'S REPORT
2 Principal Planner Thompson:
3 • A Wagenseller park feasibility workshop will be conducted on February 4, 2016 at 6:00 p.m. in the
4 City Council Chambers.
5
6 11. PLANNING COMMISSIONERS' REPORT
7
8 12. ADJOURNMENT
9 There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 8:14 p.m.
10
11
12 Cathy Elawadly, Recording Secretary
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