Consider Establishing the Town Bicycle & Pedestrian Advisory CommissionCOUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
DATE: FEBRUARY 19, 2015
TO: MAYOR AND TOWN COUNCIL
FROM: GREG LARSON, TOWN MANAGER
SUBJECT:
MEETING DATE: 03/03/15
ITEM NO: Cy
CONSIDER ADOPTING A RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING THE TOWN OF
LOS GATOS BICYCLE AND PEDESTRIAN ADVISORY COMMISSION
AND DISSOLVING THE BICYCLE ADVISORY COMMITTEE BY
RESCINDING RESOLUTION 2005-39
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends that the Town Council consider adopting a resolution (Attachment 1)
establishing the Town of Los Gatos Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Commission and dissolving
the Bicycle Advisory Committee by rescinding resolution 2005-39 (Attachment 2).
BACKGROUND:
The Bicycle Advisory Committee (BAC) was created in May, 2005 to provide Town staff with
assistance in securing grant funding for future bikeway projects. By resolution, the Committee
meets at least once annually, however, Town staff has called for meetings a total of four times in
the last year. The Committee's membership consists of one representative from three Town
Commissions: the Transportation and Parking Commission, the Parks Commission, and the
Youth Commission. Each of these Commissions has a shared interest in the bicycle network. In
many cases, the Committee's sign off is required for grant -funded project applications.
In August, 2014, the BAC discussed the Committee's meeting frequency and lack of a
"pedestrian" element in the title and listed responsibilities. Concurrently, this item was brought
forward as an area of focus for the Town Council.
It is typical for cities to have an advisory body with the combined bicycle and pedestrian
responsibilities. This aligns with a full multi -modal look at the transportation network.
Additionally, the Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) oversees a regional Bicycle and
Advisory Committee (VTA-BPAC), consisting of members from each city. Currently the
accepted process is for the Town's Transportation and Parking Commission to select the Town's
representative to the VTA-BPAC. That individual can be a member of a Town Commission or
an at large selection.
PREPARED BY: MATT MORLEY
Director of Parks and Public Works
Reviewed by: L!V' Assistant Town Manager Ks- Town Attorney CC/Finance
PAGE 2
MAYOR AND TOWN COUNCIL
SUBJECT: CONSIDER ADOPTING A RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING THE TOWN OF
LOS GATOS BICYCLE AND PEDESTRIAN ADVISORY COMMISSION AND
DISSOLVING THE BICYCLE ADVISORY COMMITTEE BY RESCINDING
RESOLUTION 2005-39
FEBRUARY 19, 2015
DISCUSSION:
The establishment of a Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Commission will provide for an
expanded role in an area of significant focus both locally and regionally. The Town Council and
Town staff will benefit from the perspective and views brought forward by appointed members
of the community in formalized settings.
Staff has provided the attached resolution outlining the proposed makeup and responsibilities of
a Town Bicycle Advisory Commission. Highlights and areas for Council consideration include
the following:
Structure — If approved by the Town Council, the existing Committee would be dissolved and
the Town would establish a more formal Commission. Staff proposes seven members to align
with other Town Commissions. There may be some risk that interests may overlap with other
Commissions, creating limited candidate pools for each. As an example, there are avid bicyclists
on both the Transportation and Parking Commission and the Parks Commission. However,
considering the large number of applicants for the last round of Transportation and Parking
Commission appointments and the high level of interest community wide in these topics, staff
believes there will be sufficient applicants. Alternatively the Council could set the Commission
at five members. Staff is not recommending this alternative as the smaller number may make
gaining a quorum for meetings difficult.
To set the seven member Commission, staff recommends appointment by the Council.
Currently the Bicycle Committee is made up of one representative from each of the Parks,
Youth, and Transportation and Parking Commissions. As an alternative to seven Council
appointees, the Council could opt to retain the three appointees from the other Commissions and
add four Council appointees to round out the seven. Staff has not recommended this alternative
as it may create an increased workload for the three Commissioners serving dual roles. In
addition, current Town rules for Commissions limit service to one Commission at a time.
Responsibilities — Staff has outlined key elements of responsibility in the proposed resolution.
These responsibilities include: advising staff on current trends and experiences in enhancing
multi -modal travel; integrating Town trails and bike and pedestrian paths with neighboring
jurisdictions; reviewing relevant grant applications; focusing on transportation around schools,
including enhancing safe routes to schools efforts; reviewing and updating the Town's Bicycle
and Pedestrian Master Plan as needed; and addressing related topics as directed by the Town
Council or requested by Town staff. The proposed resolution carries a more complete list for
Town Council consideration (see Attachment 1).
PAGE 3
MAYOR AND TOWN COUNCIL
SUBJECT: CONSIDER ADOPTING A RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING THE TOWN OF
LOS GATOS BICYCLE AND PEDESTRIAN ADVISORY COMMISSION AND
DISSOLVING THE BICYCLE ADVISORY COMMITTEE BY RESCINDING
RESOLUTION 2005-39
FEBRUARY 19, 2015
DISCUSSION (cont'd):
Appointment to VTA-BPAC — Currently the Transportation and Parking Commission makes the
appointment of the representative to the VTA-BPAC. Staff recommends that this responsibility
shift to the Town Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Commission to provide synergy between
local and regional efforts. Staff recommends that the Commission first look to an active
Commission member to serve in this role. Should no Commissioner be selected, the Commission
should look to external Town residents, who would provide updates to the Commission through
oral and/or written reports.
Meeting Frequency — Staff recommends a meeting frequency of bi-monthly meetings with
adjustments as required to meet the necessary obligations of the Town and the Commission.
Coordination — Staff has reviewed the establishment of a Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory
Commission with the Transportation and Parking Commission, the Parks Commission, and the
Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee. Feedback from all three groups has been positive.
CONCLUSION:
The creation of the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Commission will serve to raise the
relevance of this body and provide alignment with regional partners and Town priorities.
Staff recommends that the Town Council consider adopting a resolution establishing the Town
of Los Gatos Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Commission and dissolving the Bicycle Advisory
Committee by rescinding resolution 2005-39.
The recruitment for the Commission would begin March 20, 2015. The rescinding of resolution
2005-39 would be effective upon the date of the first meeting of the new Commission so as to
ensure meeting any requirements for the existence of an ongoing Town Bicycle Advisory body.
ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT:
This is not a project as defined under CEQA and no further action is required.
FISCAL IMPACT:
This action is expected to create additional workload for Town staff in supporting the increased
activities of the Commission. Staff will incorporate this workload into existing resources.
PAGE 4
MAYOR AND TOWN COUNCIL
SUBJECT: CONSIDER ADOPTING A RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING THE TOWN OF
LOS GATOS BICYCLE AND PEDESTRIAN ADVISORY COMMISSION AND
DISSOLVING THE BICYCLE ADVISORY COMMITTEE BY RESCINDING
RESOLUTION 2005-39
FEBRUARY 19, 2015
Attachments:
1. Proposed Resolution of the Town Council of the Town of Los Gatos Establishing the Bicycle
and Pedestrian Advisory Commission
2. Resolution of the Town Council of the Town of Los Gatos Establishing the Bicycle Advisory
Committee
RESOLUTION 2015-
RESOLUTION OF THE TOWN COUNCIL OF THE TOWN OF LOS GATOS
ESTABLISHING THE BICYCLE AND PEDESTRIAN ADVISORY COMMISSION AND
DISSOLVING THE BICYCLE ADVISORY COMMITTEE BY RESCINDING
RESOLUTION 2005-39
WHEREAS, the Town of Los Gatos has a Bicycle Advisory Committee consisting of
three (3) members, one (1) each from the membership of the Transportation and Parking
Commission, the Parks Commission, and the Youth Commission;
WHEREAS, the Committee meets at least once each year and as required to advise staff
on matters relating to grant applications for proposed bikeway projects;
WHEREAS, the Town Council now desires to rescind Resolution 2005-39 and wishes to
establish a Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Commission to provide an expanded role in a
subject area significant both locally and regionally.
WHEREAS, there is a need for a Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Commission to
function in the Town of Los Gatos to review and recommend actions related to bikeways,
pedestrian paths and walkways, and related issues.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED:
1. There is hereby created a Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Commission for the Town.
a. The Commission shall be advisory to the Town Council and shall operate in the
manner hereinafter prescribed.
2. Membership/Organization
a. The Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Commission shall consist of seven (7)
members. All Commissioners shall be appointed by the Town Council.
b. Members of the Commission shall reside within the incorporated municipal limits
of the Town of Los Gatos.
c. The term of office shall be for three (3) years, beginning January 1 and ending
December 31. Initial appointments shall be three commissioners for a three year
term, two commissioners for a two year term, and two commissioners for a one
year term, so as to avoid terms expiring concurrently
d. Commission members shall serve without compensation.
e. The Commission shall hold regular meetings at least bi-monthly, with
ATTACHMENT 1
adjustments to the frequency as required to meet the necessary obligations of the
Town and the Commission.
f. The Commission shall establish a regular time and location for its meetings and
shall otherwise call and conduct its meetings in compliance with the provisions of
the Ralph M. Brown Act (Government Code Sections 54950 and following).
g. Staff services as required shall be provided to the Commission by the Parks and
Public Works Director, or designee, who shall also serve as Secretary of the
Commission without vote.
h. Meeting attendance requirements will conform with current Town Resolution
2011-012: Amending Attendance Requirements for Members of All Town
Commissions, Committees, and Boards, and Rescinding Resolution 2003-136 and
Resolution 2003-137.
i. A record of all minutes and resolutions of the Commission shall be kept and shall
be a public record.
3. Powers and Duties.
The duties of the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Commission shall be to:
a. Act in an advisory capacity to the Town Council in matters pertaining to current
trends and experiences in enhancing multi -modal travel; integration of Town trails
and bike and pedestrian paths with neighboring jurisdictions; reviewing relevant
grant applications; focusing on transportation around schools, including
enhancing safe routes to schools efforts; reviewing and updating the Town's
Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan as needed; and related topics as directed by
the Town Council or requested by Town staff.
b. Review policies and procedures on streets and trails.
c. Review periodic inventories of bikeways and walkways that exist or may be
needed, and interpret the needs of the public within these areas to staff.
d. Appoint one member of the Commission as a representative of the Town to serve
on the Valley Transportation Authority Bicycle and Advisory Commission.
i. Appointments shall be for a term of one year.
ii. Should the Bicycle Advisory Commission fail to appoint a member of the
Commission, the Commission will consider members of other standing
Commissions and residents of Los Gatos at large as the representative.
iii. Appointee shall provide written and/or oral reports at each regularly
scheduled meeting.
4. Not to affect powers of Town Council. Nothing in this resolution shall be construed as
restricting or curtailing any of the powers of the Town Council, or as a delegation to the
Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Commission of any of the authority or discretionary
powers vested and imposed by law in such Council. The Town Council declares that the
public interest, convenience, welfare and necessity require the appointment of a Bicycle
and Pedestrian Advisory Commission to act in a purely advisory capacity to such Council
for the purposes enumerated in this resolution.
5. Resolution 2005-39 is rescinded effective upon the date of the first meeting of the
Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Commission.
PASSED AND ADOPTED at a regular meeting of the Town Council of the Town of
Los Gatos, California, held on the 3`d of March 2015 by the following vote:
COUNCIL MEMBERS:
AYES:
NAYS:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
SIGNED:
MAYOR OF THE TOWN OF LOS GATOS
LOS GATOS, CALIFORNIA
ATTEST:
CLERK ADMINISTRATOR OF THE TOWN OF LOS GATOS
LOS GATOS, CALIFORNIA
RESOLUTION 2005 - 39
RESOLUTION OF THE TOWN COUNCIL OF THE TOWN OF LOS GATOS
ESTABLISHING THE BICYCLE ADVISORY COMMITTEE
WHEREAS, the Town of Los Gatos desires to submit proposals for grant funding to
granting authorities for improvements to the Town bikeways, and
WHEREAS, the Town has three standing Commissions whose roles are related to
advising on the development and use of a bikeway system in the Town, and
WHEREAS, the granting authorities may from time -to -time require the formal
input of a citizens committee which advises on bikeways in a jurisdiction that is applying for a
grant.
NOW, THEREFORE, THE TOWN COUNCIL OF THE TOWN OF LOS
GATOS DOES HEREBY RESOLVE AS FOLLOWS;
1. There is hereby created a Bicycle Advisory Committee for the Town.
2. The Bicycle Advisory Committee shall consist of three (3) members, one (1) each
from the membership of the Transportation and Parking Commission, the Parks Commission,
and the Youth Commission.
a. The term of office shall be for one (1) year, beginning January 1 and ending
December 31. The term of office shall continue for such additional time as may be required for
the appointment to fill the next teem.
b. The Committee members shall serve without compensation.
c. The Committee shall meet at least once each year on the first Wednesday in
February, and as required, to advise staff on matters relating to grant applications for proposed
bikeway projects.
d. The Committee shall conduct its meetings in compliance with the provisions of
the Ralph M. Brown Act (Government Code Sections 54950 and following).
e. The Committee shall elect a chair and vice -chair at an election to take place at the
first meeting of each calendar year.
f Staff services as required shall be provided to the Committee by the Director of
Parks and Public Works, who shall also serve as Secretary of the Committee without vote.
ATTACHMENT 2
g. Meeting attendance requirements will conform with current Town Resolution.
h. The Secretary of the Committee shall keep a record of all proceedings,
resolutions, findings, determinations, and transactions of the Committee, which records shall be
a public record, and a copy of which shall be filed with the Clerk Administrator.
3. Powers and Duties. The duties of the Bicycle Advisory Committee
a. Act in an advisory capacity to the staff in matters pertaining to bikeways on
streets and off-street trails.
b. Review policies and procedures on streets and trail.
c. Review periodic inventories of bikeways that exist or may be needed, and
interpret the needs of the public within these areas to the staff.
4. Not to affect powers of Town Council. Nothing in this resolution shall be
construed as restricting or curtailing any of the powers of the Town Council, or as a delegation to
the Bicycle Advisory Committee of any of the authority or discretionary powers vested and
imposed by law in such Council. The Town Council declares that the public interest,
convenience, welfare and necessity require the appointment of a Bicycle Advisory Committee to
act in a purely advisory capacity to staff for the purposes enumerated in this resolution.
PASSED AND ADOPTED at a regular meeting of the Town Council of the Town
of Los Gatos, California, held on the 2nd day of May, 2005 by the following vote:
COUNCIL MEMBERS:
AYES: Steve Glickman, Diane McNutt, Joe Pirzynski, Barbara Spector,
Mayor Mike Wasserman.
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
ATTEST:
SIGNED:
�'/•�L9Qw
CLERK A]YMINISTRATOR OF THE TOWN OF LOS GATOS
LOS GATOS, CALIFORNIA
MAYOR OF THE TOWN OF LOS GATOS
LOS GATOS, CALIFORNIA