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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-01-29 Planning & Transportation Committee Agenda PacketPLANNING AND TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION Regular Meeting Wednesday, January 29, 2025 Council Chambers & Hybrid 6:00 PM Planning and Transportation Commission meetings will be held as “hybrid” meetings with the option to attend by teleconference/video conference or in person. To maximize public safety while still maintaining transparency and public access, members of the public can choose to participate from home or attend in person. Information on how the public may observe and participate in the meeting is located at the end of the agenda. Masks are strongly encouraged if attending in person. The meeting will be broadcast on Cable TV Channel 26, live on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/c/cityofpaloalto, and streamed to Midpen Media Center https://midpenmedia.org. Commissioner names, biographies, and archived agendas and minutes are available at http://bit.ly/PaloAltoPTC.  VIRTUAL PARTICIPATION CLICK HERE TO JOIN (https://cityofpaloalto.zoom.us/j/91641559499) Meeting ID: 916 4155 9499    Phone: 1(669)900‐6833 PUBLIC COMMENTS Public comments will be accepted both in person and via Zoom for up to three minutes or an amount of time determined by the Chair. All requests to speak will be taken until 5 minutes after the staff’s presentation. Written public comments can be submitted in advance to Planning.Commission@CityofPaloAlto.org and will be provided to the Commission and available for inspection on the City’s website. Please clearly indicate which agenda item you are referencing in your subject line. Spokespersons that are representing a group of five or more people who are identified as present at the meeting at the time of the spokesperson's presentation will be allowed up to ten (10) minutes at the discretion of the Chair, provided that the non‐speaking members agree not to speak individually. The Chair may limit Public Comments to thirty (30) minutes for all combined speakers. The Chair may reduce the allowed time to speak for Study Sessions and Action Items to two (2) minutes or less to accommodate a larger number of speakers. PowerPoints, videos, or other media to be presented during public comment are accepted only by email to Planning.Commission@CityofPaloAlto.org at least 24 hours prior to the meeting. Once received, the Clerk will have them shared at public comment for the specified item. To uphold strong cybersecurity management practices, USB’s or other physical electronic storage devices are not accepted. Signs and symbolic materials less than 2 feet by 3 feet are permitted provided that: (1) sticks, posts, poles or similar/other type of handle objects are strictly prohibited; (2) the items do not create a facility, fire, or safety hazard; and (3) persons with such items remain seated when displaying them and must not raise the items above shoulder level, obstruct the view or passage of other attendees, or otherwise disturb the business of the meeting. TIME ESTIMATES Listed times are estimates only and are subject to change at any time, including while the meeting is in progress. The Commission reserves the right to use more or less time on any item, to change the order of items and/or to continue items to another meeting. Particular items may be heard before or after the time estimated on the agenda. This may occur in order to best manage the time at a meeting or to adapt to the participation of the public. CALL TO ORDER/ ROLL CALL PUBLIC COMMENT  Members of the public may speak to any item NOT on the agenda. Three (3) minutes per speaker. AGENDA CHANGES, ADDITIONS AND DELETIONS The Chair or Commission majority may modify the agenda order to improve meeting management. CITY OFFICIAL REPORTS 1.Director's Report, Meeting Schedule, and Assignments SPECIAL PRESENTATION 2.VTA Speed & Reliability Program Presentation      6:10 PM – 6:30 PM 3.Via Palo Alto Link Update      6:30 PM – 7:00 PM STUDY SESSION Public Comment is Permitted. Three (3) minutes per speaker. 4.Palo Alto Safe Streets for All (SS4A) Safety Action Plan      7:00 PM – 8:00 PM APPROVAL OF MINUTES Public Comment is Permitted. Three (3) minutes per speaker. 5.Approval of Planning & Transportation Commission Draft Summary & Verbatim Minutes of December 11, 2024 COMMISSIONER QUESTIONS, COMMENTS, ANNOUNCEMENTS OR FUTURE MEETINGS AND AGENDAS Members of the public may not speak to the item(s). ADJOURNMENT PUBLIC COMMENT INSTRUCTIONS Members of the Public may provide public comments to teleconference meetings via email, teleconference, or by phone. 1. W r i t t e n   p u b l i c   c o m m e n t s  m a y   b e   s u b m i t t e d   b y   e m a i l   t o planning.commission@cityofpaloalto.org. 2. Spoken public comments using a computer will be accepted through the teleconference meeting. To address the Commission, click on the link below to access a Zoom‐based meeting. Please read the following instructions carefully. You may download the Zoom client or connect to the meeting in‐ browser. If using your browser, make sure you are using a current, up‐to‐date browser: Chrome 30, Firefox 27, Microsoft Edge 12, Safari 7. Certain functionality may be disabled in older browsers including Internet Explorer. You may be asked to enter an email address and name. We request that you identify yourself by name as this will be visible online and will be used to notify you that it is your turn to speak. When you wish to speak on an Agenda Item, click on “raise hand.” The Clerk will activate and unmute speakers in turn. Speakers will be notified shortly before they are called to speak. When called, please limit your remarks to the time limit allotted. A timer will be shown on the computer to help keep track of your comments. 3. Spoken public comments using a smart phone will be accepted  through the teleconference meeting. To address the Commission, download the Zoom application onto your phone from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store and enter the Meeting ID below. Please follow the instructions above. 4. Spoken public comments using a phone use the telephone number listed below. When you wish to speak on an agenda item hit *9 on your phone so we know that you wish to speak. You will be asked to provide your first and last name before addressing the Commission. You will be advised how long you have to speak. When called please limit your remarks to the agenda item and time limit allotted. CLICK HERE TO JOIN    Meeting ID: 916 4155 9499   Phone:1‐669‐900‐6833  Americans with Disability Act (ADA) It is the policy of the City of Palo Alto to offer its public programs, services and meetings in a manner that is readily accessible to all. Persons with disabilities who require materials in an appropriate alternative format or who require auxiliary aids to access City meetings, programs, or services may contact the City’s ADA Coordinator at (650) 329‐2550 (voice) or by emailing ada@cityofpaloalto.org. Requests for assistance or accommodations must be submitted at least 24 hours in advance of the meeting, program, or service. PLANNING AND TRANSPORTATION COMMISSIONRegular MeetingWednesday, January 29, 2025Council Chambers & Hybrid6:00 PMPlanning and Transportation Commission meetings will be held as “hybrid” meetings with theoption to attend by teleconference/video conference or in person. To maximize public safetywhile still maintaining transparency and public access, members of the public can choose toparticipate from home or attend in person. Information on how the public may observe andparticipate in the meeting is located at the end of the agenda. Masks are strongly encouraged ifattending in person. The meeting will be broadcast on Cable TV Channel 26, live onYouTube https://www.youtube.com/c/cityofpaloalto, and streamed to Midpen MediaCenter https://midpenmedia.org. Commissioner names, biographies, and archived agendas andminutes are available at http://bit.ly/PaloAltoPTC. VIRTUAL PARTICIPATION CLICK HERE TO JOIN (https://cityofpaloalto.zoom.us/j/91641559499)Meeting ID: 916 4155 9499    Phone: 1(669)900‐6833PUBLIC COMMENTSPublic comments will be accepted both in person and via Zoom for up to three minutes or anamount of time determined by the Chair. All requests to speak will be taken until 5 minutesafter the staff’s presentation. Written public comments can be submitted in advance toPlanning.Commission@CityofPaloAlto.org and will be provided to the Commission and availablefor inspection on the City’s website. Please clearly indicate which agenda item you arereferencing in your subject line.Spokespersons that are representing a group of five or more people who are identified aspresent at the meeting at the time of the spokesperson's presentation will be allowed up to ten(10) minutes at the discretion of the Chair, provided that the non‐speaking members agree notto speak individually. The Chair may limit Public Comments to thirty (30) minutes for allcombined speakers. The Chair may reduce the allowed time to speak for Study Sessions andAction Items to two (2) minutes or less to accommodate a larger number of speakers.PowerPoints, videos, or other media to be presented during public comment are accepted onlyby email to Planning.Commission@CityofPaloAlto.org at least 24 hours prior to the meeting.Once received, the Clerk will have them shared at public comment for the specified item. Touphold strong cybersecurity management practices, USB’s or other physical electronic storagedevices are not accepted.Signs and symbolic materials less than 2 feet by 3 feet are permitted provided that: (1) sticks, posts, poles or similar/other type of handle objects are strictly prohibited; (2) the items do not create a facility, fire, or safety hazard; and (3) persons with such items remain seated when displaying them and must not raise the items above shoulder level, obstruct the view or passage of other attendees, or otherwise disturb the business of the meeting. TIME ESTIMATES Listed times are estimates only and are subject to change at any time, including while the meeting is in progress. The Commission reserves the right to use more or less time on any item, to change the order of items and/or to continue items to another meeting. Particular items may be heard before or after the time estimated on the agenda. This may occur in order to best manage the time at a meeting or to adapt to the participation of the public. CALL TO ORDER/ ROLL CALL PUBLIC COMMENT  Members of the public may speak to any item NOT on the agenda. Three (3) minutes per speaker. AGENDA CHANGES, ADDITIONS AND DELETIONS The Chair or Commission majority may modify the agenda order to improve meeting management. CITY OFFICIAL REPORTS 1.Director's Report, Meeting Schedule, and Assignments SPECIAL PRESENTATION 2.VTA Speed & Reliability Program Presentation      6:10 PM – 6:30 PM 3.Via Palo Alto Link Update      6:30 PM – 7:00 PM STUDY SESSION Public Comment is Permitted. Three (3) minutes per speaker. 4.Palo Alto Safe Streets for All (SS4A) Safety Action Plan      7:00 PM – 8:00 PM APPROVAL OF MINUTES Public Comment is Permitted. Three (3) minutes per speaker. 5.Approval of Planning & Transportation Commission Draft Summary & Verbatim Minutes of December 11, 2024 COMMISSIONER QUESTIONS, COMMENTS, ANNOUNCEMENTS OR FUTURE MEETINGS AND AGENDAS Members of the public may not speak to the item(s). ADJOURNMENT PUBLIC COMMENT INSTRUCTIONS Members of the Public may provide public comments to teleconference meetings via email, teleconference, or by phone. 1. W r i t t e n   p u b l i c   c o m m e n t s  m a y   b e   s u b m i t t e d   b y   e m a i l   t o planning.commission@cityofpaloalto.org. 2. Spoken public comments using a computer will be accepted through the teleconference meeting. To address the Commission, click on the link below to access a Zoom‐based meeting. Please read the following instructions carefully. You may download the Zoom client or connect to the meeting in‐ browser. If using your browser, make sure you are using a current, up‐to‐date browser: Chrome 30, Firefox 27, Microsoft Edge 12, Safari 7. Certain functionality may be disabled in older browsers including Internet Explorer. You may be asked to enter an email address and name. We request that you identify yourself by name as this will be visible online and will be used to notify you that it is your turn to speak. When you wish to speak on an Agenda Item, click on “raise hand.” The Clerk will activate and unmute speakers in turn. Speakers will be notified shortly before they are called to speak. When called, please limit your remarks to the time limit allotted. A timer will be shown on the computer to help keep track of your comments. 3. Spoken public comments using a smart phone will be accepted  through the teleconference meeting. To address the Commission, download the Zoom application onto your phone from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store and enter the Meeting ID below. Please follow the instructions above. 4. Spoken public comments using a phone use the telephone number listed below. When you wish to speak on an agenda item hit *9 on your phone so we know that you wish to speak. You will be asked to provide your first and last name before addressing the Commission. You will be advised how long you have to speak. When called please limit your remarks to the agenda item and time limit allotted. CLICK HERE TO JOIN    Meeting ID: 916 4155 9499   Phone:1‐669‐900‐6833  Americans with Disability Act (ADA) It is the policy of the City of Palo Alto to offer its public programs, services and meetings in a manner that is readily accessible to all. Persons with disabilities who require materials in an appropriate alternative format or who require auxiliary aids to access City meetings, programs, or services may contact the City’s ADA Coordinator at (650) 329‐2550 (voice) or by emailing ada@cityofpaloalto.org. Requests for assistance or accommodations must be submitted at least 24 hours in advance of the meeting, program, or service. PLANNING AND TRANSPORTATION COMMISSIONRegular MeetingWednesday, January 29, 2025Council Chambers & Hybrid6:00 PMPlanning and Transportation Commission meetings will be held as “hybrid” meetings with theoption to attend by teleconference/video conference or in person. To maximize public safetywhile still maintaining transparency and public access, members of the public can choose toparticipate from home or attend in person. Information on how the public may observe andparticipate in the meeting is located at the end of the agenda. Masks are strongly encouraged ifattending in person. The meeting will be broadcast on Cable TV Channel 26, live onYouTube https://www.youtube.com/c/cityofpaloalto, and streamed to Midpen MediaCenter https://midpenmedia.org. Commissioner names, biographies, and archived agendas andminutes are available at http://bit.ly/PaloAltoPTC. VIRTUAL PARTICIPATION CLICK HERE TO JOIN (https://cityofpaloalto.zoom.us/j/91641559499)Meeting ID: 916 4155 9499    Phone: 1(669)900‐6833PUBLIC COMMENTSPublic comments will be accepted both in person and via Zoom for up to three minutes or anamount of time determined by the Chair. All requests to speak will be taken until 5 minutesafter the staff’s presentation. Written public comments can be submitted in advance toPlanning.Commission@CityofPaloAlto.org and will be provided to the Commission and availablefor inspection on the City’s website. Please clearly indicate which agenda item you arereferencing in your subject line.Spokespersons that are representing a group of five or more people who are identified aspresent at the meeting at the time of the spokesperson's presentation will be allowed up to ten(10) minutes at the discretion of the Chair, provided that the non‐speaking members agree notto speak individually. The Chair may limit Public Comments to thirty (30) minutes for allcombined speakers. The Chair may reduce the allowed time to speak for Study Sessions andAction Items to two (2) minutes or less to accommodate a larger number of speakers.PowerPoints, videos, or other media to be presented during public comment are accepted onlyby email to Planning.Commission@CityofPaloAlto.org at least 24 hours prior to the meeting.Once received, the Clerk will have them shared at public comment for the specified item. Touphold strong cybersecurity management practices, USB’s or other physical electronic storagedevices are not accepted.Signs and symbolic materials less than 2 feet by 3 feet are permitted provided that: (1) sticks,posts, poles or similar/other type of handle objects are strictly prohibited; (2) the items do notcreate a facility, fire, or safety hazard; and (3) persons with such items remain seated whendisplaying them and must not raise the items above shoulder level, obstruct the view orpassage of other attendees, or otherwise disturb the business of the meeting.TIME ESTIMATES Listed times are estimates only and are subject to change at any time, including while the meeting is in progress. The Commission reserves the right to use more or less time on any item, to change the order of items and/or to continue items to another meeting. Particular items may be heard before or after the time estimated on the agenda. This may occur in order to best manage the time at a meeting or to adapt to the participation of the public. CALL TO ORDER/ ROLL CALL PUBLIC COMMENT  Members of the public may speak to any item NOT on the agenda. Three (3) minutes per speaker. AGENDA CHANGES, ADDITIONS AND DELETIONS The Chair or Commission majority may modify the agenda order to improve meeting management. CITY OFFICIAL REPORTS 1.Director's Report, Meeting Schedule, and Assignments SPECIAL PRESENTATION 2.VTA Speed & Reliability Program Presentation      6:10 PM – 6:30 PM 3.Via Palo Alto Link Update      6:30 PM – 7:00 PM STUDY SESSION Public Comment is Permitted. Three (3) minutes per speaker. 4.Palo Alto Safe Streets for All (SS4A) Safety Action Plan      7:00 PM – 8:00 PM APPROVAL OF MINUTES Public Comment is Permitted. Three (3) minutes per speaker. 5.Approval of Planning & Transportation Commission Draft Summary & Verbatim Minutes of December 11, 2024 COMMISSIONER QUESTIONS, COMMENTS, ANNOUNCEMENTS OR FUTURE MEETINGS AND AGENDAS Members of the public may not speak to the item(s). ADJOURNMENT PUBLIC COMMENT INSTRUCTIONS Members of the Public may provide public comments to teleconference meetings via email, teleconference, or by phone. 1. W r i t t e n   p u b l i c   c o m m e n t s  m a y   b e   s u b m i t t e d   b y   e m a i l   t o planning.commission@cityofpaloalto.org. 2. Spoken public comments using a computer will be accepted through the teleconference meeting. To address the Commission, click on the link below to access a Zoom‐based meeting. Please read the following instructions carefully. You may download the Zoom client or connect to the meeting in‐ browser. If using your browser, make sure you are using a current, up‐to‐date browser: Chrome 30, Firefox 27, Microsoft Edge 12, Safari 7. Certain functionality may be disabled in older browsers including Internet Explorer. You may be asked to enter an email address and name. We request that you identify yourself by name as this will be visible online and will be used to notify you that it is your turn to speak. When you wish to speak on an Agenda Item, click on “raise hand.” The Clerk will activate and unmute speakers in turn. Speakers will be notified shortly before they are called to speak. When called, please limit your remarks to the time limit allotted. A timer will be shown on the computer to help keep track of your comments. 3. Spoken public comments using a smart phone will be accepted  through the teleconference meeting. To address the Commission, download the Zoom application onto your phone from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store and enter the Meeting ID below. Please follow the instructions above. 4. Spoken public comments using a phone use the telephone number listed below. When you wish to speak on an agenda item hit *9 on your phone so we know that you wish to speak. You will be asked to provide your first and last name before addressing the Commission. You will be advised how long you have to speak. When called please limit your remarks to the agenda item and time limit allotted. CLICK HERE TO JOIN    Meeting ID: 916 4155 9499   Phone:1‐669‐900‐6833  Americans with Disability Act (ADA) It is the policy of the City of Palo Alto to offer its public programs, services and meetings in a manner that is readily accessible to all. Persons with disabilities who require materials in an appropriate alternative format or who require auxiliary aids to access City meetings, programs, or services may contact the City’s ADA Coordinator at (650) 329‐2550 (voice) or by emailing ada@cityofpaloalto.org. Requests for assistance or accommodations must be submitted at least 24 hours in advance of the meeting, program, or service. PLANNING AND TRANSPORTATION COMMISSIONRegular MeetingWednesday, January 29, 2025Council Chambers & Hybrid6:00 PMPlanning and Transportation Commission meetings will be held as “hybrid” meetings with theoption to attend by teleconference/video conference or in person. To maximize public safetywhile still maintaining transparency and public access, members of the public can choose toparticipate from home or attend in person. Information on how the public may observe andparticipate in the meeting is located at the end of the agenda. Masks are strongly encouraged ifattending in person. The meeting will be broadcast on Cable TV Channel 26, live onYouTube https://www.youtube.com/c/cityofpaloalto, and streamed to Midpen MediaCenter https://midpenmedia.org. Commissioner names, biographies, and archived agendas andminutes are available at http://bit.ly/PaloAltoPTC. VIRTUAL PARTICIPATION CLICK HERE TO JOIN (https://cityofpaloalto.zoom.us/j/91641559499)Meeting ID: 916 4155 9499    Phone: 1(669)900‐6833PUBLIC COMMENTSPublic comments will be accepted both in person and via Zoom for up to three minutes or anamount of time determined by the Chair. All requests to speak will be taken until 5 minutesafter the staff’s presentation. Written public comments can be submitted in advance toPlanning.Commission@CityofPaloAlto.org and will be provided to the Commission and availablefor inspection on the City’s website. Please clearly indicate which agenda item you arereferencing in your subject line.Spokespersons that are representing a group of five or more people who are identified aspresent at the meeting at the time of the spokesperson's presentation will be allowed up to ten(10) minutes at the discretion of the Chair, provided that the non‐speaking members agree notto speak individually. The Chair may limit Public Comments to thirty (30) minutes for allcombined speakers. The Chair may reduce the allowed time to speak for Study Sessions andAction Items to two (2) minutes or less to accommodate a larger number of speakers.PowerPoints, videos, or other media to be presented during public comment are accepted onlyby email to Planning.Commission@CityofPaloAlto.org at least 24 hours prior to the meeting.Once received, the Clerk will have them shared at public comment for the specified item. Touphold strong cybersecurity management practices, USB’s or other physical electronic storagedevices are not accepted.Signs and symbolic materials less than 2 feet by 3 feet are permitted provided that: (1) sticks,posts, poles or similar/other type of handle objects are strictly prohibited; (2) the items do notcreate a facility, fire, or safety hazard; and (3) persons with such items remain seated whendisplaying them and must not raise the items above shoulder level, obstruct the view orpassage of other attendees, or otherwise disturb the business of the meeting.TIME ESTIMATESListed times are estimates only and are subject to change at any time, including while themeeting is in progress. The Commission reserves the right to use more or less time on any item,to change the order of items and/or to continue items to another meeting. Particular items maybe heard before or after the time estimated on the agenda. This may occur in order to bestmanage the time at a meeting or to adapt to the participation of the public.CALL TO ORDER/ ROLL CALLPUBLIC COMMENT Members of the public may speak to any item NOT on the agenda. Three (3) minutes per speaker.AGENDA CHANGES, ADDITIONS AND DELETIONSThe Chair or Commission majority may modify the agenda order to improve meeting management.CITY OFFICIAL REPORTS1.Director's Report, Meeting Schedule, and AssignmentsSPECIAL PRESENTATION2.VTA Speed & Reliability Program Presentation      6:10 PM – 6:30 PM3.Via Palo Alto Link Update      6:30 PM – 7:00 PMSTUDY SESSIONPublic Comment is Permitted. Three (3) minutes per speaker.4.Palo Alto Safe Streets for All (SS4A) Safety Action Plan      7:00 PM – 8:00 PMAPPROVAL OF MINUTESPublic Comment is Permitted. Three (3) minutes per speaker.5.Approval of Planning & Transportation Commission Draft Summary & Verbatim Minutesof December 11, 2024COMMISSIONER QUESTIONS, COMMENTS, ANNOUNCEMENTS OR FUTURE MEETINGS ANDAGENDAS Members of the public may not speak to the item(s). ADJOURNMENT PUBLIC COMMENT INSTRUCTIONS Members of the Public may provide public comments to teleconference meetings via email, teleconference, or by phone. 1. W r i t t e n   p u b l i c   c o m m e n t s  m a y   b e   s u b m i t t e d   b y   e m a i l   t o planning.commission@cityofpaloalto.org. 2. Spoken public comments using a computer will be accepted through the teleconference meeting. To address the Commission, click on the link below to access a Zoom‐based meeting. Please read the following instructions carefully. You may download the Zoom client or connect to the meeting in‐ browser. If using your browser, make sure you are using a current, up‐to‐date browser: Chrome 30, Firefox 27, Microsoft Edge 12, Safari 7. Certain functionality may be disabled in older browsers including Internet Explorer. You may be asked to enter an email address and name. We request that you identify yourself by name as this will be visible online and will be used to notify you that it is your turn to speak. When you wish to speak on an Agenda Item, click on “raise hand.” The Clerk will activate and unmute speakers in turn. Speakers will be notified shortly before they are called to speak. When called, please limit your remarks to the time limit allotted. A timer will be shown on the computer to help keep track of your comments. 3. Spoken public comments using a smart phone will be accepted  through the teleconference meeting. To address the Commission, download the Zoom application onto your phone from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store and enter the Meeting ID below. Please follow the instructions above. 4. Spoken public comments using a phone use the telephone number listed below. When you wish to speak on an agenda item hit *9 on your phone so we know that you wish to speak. You will be asked to provide your first and last name before addressing the Commission. You will be advised how long you have to speak. When called please limit your remarks to the agenda item and time limit allotted. CLICK HERE TO JOIN    Meeting ID: 916 4155 9499   Phone:1‐669‐900‐6833  Americans with Disability Act (ADA) It is the policy of the City of Palo Alto to offer its public programs, services and meetings in a manner that is readily accessible to all. Persons with disabilities who require materials in an appropriate alternative format or who require auxiliary aids to access City meetings, programs, or services may contact the City’s ADA Coordinator at (650) 329‐2550 (voice) or by emailing ada@cityofpaloalto.org. Requests for assistance or accommodations must be submitted at least 24 hours in advance of the meeting, program, or service. Item No. 1. Page 1 of 2 Planning & Transportation Commission Staff Report From: Planning and Development Services Director Lead Department: Planning and Development Services Meeting Date: January 29, 2025 Report #: 2501-4007 TITLE Director's Report, Meeting Schedule, and Assignments RECOMMENDATION Staff recommends that the Planning and Transportation Commission (PTC) review and comment as appropriate. BACKGROUND This document includes the following items: Upcoming PTC Agenda Items PTC Meeting Schedule PTC Representative to City Council (Rotational Assignments) Commissioners are encouraged to contact Veronica Dao (Veronica.Dao@CityofPaloAlto.org) to notify staff of any planned absences one month in advance, if possible, to ensure the availability of a PTC quorum. PTC Representative to City Council is a rotational assignment where the designated commissioner represents the PTC’s affirmative and dissenting perspectives to Council for quasijudicial and legislative matters. Representatives are encouraged to review the City Council agendas (https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/City-Hall/City-Council/Council-Agendas-Minutes) for the months of their respective assignments to verify if attendance is needed or contact staff. Prior PTC meetings are available online at https://midpenmedia.org/category/government/city- of-palo-alto/boards-and-commissions/planning-and-transportation-commission. Item 1 Staff Report     Packet Pg. 5     Item No. 1. Page 2 of 2 UPCOMING PTC ITEMS February 12, 2025 Car Free Streets: Ramona Street and California Avenue (Comprehensive Plan Amendment) Parking Programs Update and Discussion February 26, 2025 70 Encina Avenue (PHZ) Bike & Pedestrian Plan Update ATTACHMENTS Attachment A: 2025 PTC Schedule & Assignments AUTHOR/TITLE: Jennifer Armer, Assistant Director Item 1 Staff Report     Packet Pg. 6     Planning & Transportation Commission 2025 Meeting Schedule 2025 Schedule Meeting Dates Time Location Status Planned Absences 1/8/2025 6:00 PM Hybrid Canceled 1/15/2025 6:00 PM Hybrid Special 1/29/2025 6:00 PM Hybrid Regular 2/12/2025 6:00 PM Hybrid Regular 2/26/2025 6:00 PM Hybrid Regular 3/12/2025 5:00 PM Hybrid Regular 3/26/2025 6:00 PM Hybrid Regular 4/9/2025 6:00 PM Hybrid Regular 4/30/2025 6:00 PM Hybrid Regular 5/14/2025 6:00 PM Hybrid Regular 5/28/2025 6:00 PM Hybrid Regular 6/11/2025 6:00 PM Hybrid Regular 6/25/2025 6:00 PM Hybrid Regular 7/9/2025 6:00 PM Hybrid Regular 7/30/2025 6:00 PM Hybrid Regular 8/13/2025 6:00 PM Hybrid Regular 8/27/2025 6:00 PM Hybrid Regular 9/10/2025 6:00 PM Hybrid Regular Hechtman 9/24/2025 6:00 PM Hybrid Regular 10/8/2025 6:00 PM Hybrid Regular 10/29/2025 6:00 PM Hybrid Regular 11/12/2025 6:00 PM Hybrid Regular 11/26/2025 6:00 PM Hybrid Canceled 12/10/2025 6:00 PM Hybrid Regular 12/31/2025 6:00 PM Hybrid Canceled 2025 Assignments - Council Representation (primary/backup) January February March April May June Bryna Chang Bart Hechtman Allen Akin Doria Summa Doria Summa Cari Templeton Bart Hechtman Bryna Chang Cari Templeton Allen Akin Bryna Chang Cari Templeton July August September October November December Council Summer Break Allen Akin Bart Hechtman Bart Hechtman Bryna Chang Cari Templeton Allen Akin Allen Akin Cari Templeton Bryna Chang Bart Hechtman Item 1 Attachment A: PTC 2025 Schedule & Assignments     Packet Pg. 7     Item No. 4. Page 1 of 5 Planning & Transportation Commission Staff Report From: Chief Transportation Official Lead Department: Office of Transportation Meeting Date: January 29, 2025 Report #: 2410-3728 TITLE Palo Alto Safe Streets for All (SS4A) Safety Action Plan RECOMMENDATION Review and provide feedback on the Draft Safe Streets for All (SS4A) Safety Action Plan and Resolution. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The draft SS4A Safety Action Plan was developed to align with Federal policies and requirements to adopt the Safe System Approach as a strategy for eliminating traffic related injuries and fatalities. This report highlights some of the tradeoff considerations that come from the shift to the new roadway safety planning and engineering approach. BACKGROUND In late 2023, the City of Palo Alto and its consultant, Fehr & Peers, began the Safe Streets for All (SS4A) Safety Action Plan. While PTC held study sessions1 on the two prior project phases, Council received two informational reports about the SS4A Safety Action Plan; the first introduced the plan and provided background on the Safe System Approach while the second provided an overview of the collision analysis and stakeholder engagement.2 1 Planning and Transportation Commission, October 11/2023; Agenda Item #2, SR #2309-1975, https://cityofpaloalto.primegov.com/meetings/ItemWithTemplateType?id=3138&meetingTemplateType=2&comp iledMeetingDocumentId=11215 and Planning and Transportation Commission, February 28, 2024; Agenda Item #2, SR #2402-2630, https://cityofpaloalto.primegov.com/meetings/ItemWithTemplateType?id=4316&meetingTemplateType=2&comp iledMeetingDocumentId=11353 2 City Council, November 27, 2023; Agenda Item #18 , SR #2309-2039, https://cityofpaloalto.primegov.com/api/compilemeetingattachmenthistory/historyattachment/?historyId=36025 c95-52b1-4da0-bc8b-fad9df86f7e8 and City Council, April 29, 2024; Agenda Item #3, SR #2404-2839, https://cityofpaloalto.primegov.com/api/compilemeetingattachmenthistory/historyattachment/?historyId=79d7c 1d2-b1a1-4eb9-acca-039fab914f74 Item 4 Staff Report     Packet Pg. 8     Item No. 4. Page 2 of 5 The primary goal of this planning effort is to identify proactive, citywide opportunities across the Safe System elements (safe users, safe speeds, safe roads, safe vehicles, and post-crash care) to improve safety for all road users in support of the Vision Zero goal of reducing roadway fatalities and serious injuries by 2035, 2040, or another target year to be adopted by the Council. This Plan complies with the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA)’s SS4A requirements for a safety action plan3 and will make Palo Alto eligible for implementation funding from the annual $1 billion Safe Streets for All federal funding program as well as other state grants that require such a plan. ANALYSIS Safe System Approach The Safe System Approach is the USDOT’s recommended framework to reach zero fatalities and serious injuries on US roadways.4 The major tenants of the Safe System Approach are – death and serious injury is unacceptable, humans make mistakes, humans are vulnerable, responsibility is shared, safety is proactive, and redundancy is crucial. The Safe System Approach highlights the need for the commitment and leadership by City leaders, City staff, and the community to align policies and create a physical environment that accommodates the reality that humans make mistakes and crashes happen, but none have to lead to a death or serious injury. Communities following the Safe System Approach are also advised to adopt the FHWA Safe System Roadway Design Hierarchy, which focuses on managing speeds to community context and then separating users in space and time.5 FHWA has also provided alignment tools for adopting communities to use to assess how projects and policies should be adjusted to be consistent with the Safe System framework.6 This Plan reflects these recommended practices. 3 US Department of Transportation, SS4A Action Plan Components, https://www.transportation.gov/sites/dot.gov/files/2022-06/SS4A_Action_Plan_Components.pdf 4 US Department of Transportation, National Roadway Safety Strategy, https://www.transportation.gov/sites/dot.gov/files/2022-02/USDOT-National-Roadway-Safety-Strategy.pdf 5 US Department of Transportation & Federal Highway Administration, Safe System Roadway Design Hierarchy, https://highways.dot.gov/sites/fhwa.dot.gov/files/2024-01/Safe_System_Roadway_Design_Hierarchy.pdf 6 Federal Highway Administration, Safe System Project-Based Alignment Framework, https://highways.dot.gov/safety/zero-deaths/safe-system-project-based-alignment-framework, and Federal Item 4 Staff Report     Packet Pg. 9     Item No. 4. Page 3 of 5 Tradeoff Considerations Following the Safe System Approach and prioritizing multimodal safety and accessibility in Palo Alto represents a paradigm shift in how transportation decisions will be made in the City. The policies, programs, and procedures recommended in this Plan are more proactive and systemic in nature, and the tradeoff decisions associated with project prioritization and design will reflect the City’s commitment to reducing safety risk factors in the transportation system. Program level strategies include: •Developing a citywide speed management approach and prioritizing interventions to reduce speed in locations with vulnerable road users. o This could streamline project implementation and focus community engagement on speed reduction treatments and non-safety-based decisions. o This could lead to additional delay for single occupant vehicles traveling in Palo Alto due to traffic calming strategies applied. •Developing default tools for separating users in space and time based on the volume, speed, and configuration of the roadway. o This could streamline project implementation and focus community engagement on speed reduction treatments and non-safety-based decisions. o This could lead to a reallocation of vehicle travel lanes and/or on-street parking to active transportation facilities. •Prioritizing safety in all roadway projects planned, funded, and built in the City, including routine maintenance efforts. o This could lead to auditing and eliminating or re-envisioning projects that add new safety risk to the system. •Considering safety upstream, with a focus on land use planning, accessibility to key services, transportation demand management, and partnerships with transit providers. o The City’s Housing Element and transit services within the City will be seen as safety focus areas for staff, following a public health-based, population-scale approach.7 When these efforts are collaborative and proactive, and especially when they lean on emerging technologies and clear goals and performance metrics, they will allow staff to identify challenges and look for win-win solutions. In other communities, challenges arising late in the process have included concerns regarding emergency vehicles and evacuation, as well as ample and transparent access to project and planning processes and tradeoff decision-making bases. Additionally, communities have faced challenges aligning efforts with the Safe System Approach Highway Administration, Safe System Policy-Based Alignment Framework, https://highways.dot.gov/safety/zero- deaths/safe-system-policy-based-alignment-framework 7 Thinking & Acting Differently for Vision Zero: Applying the Health Impact Pyramid to Roadway Safety, https://visionzeronetwork.org/applying-the-health-impact-pyramid-to-roadway-safety/ Item 4 Staff Report     Packet Pg. 10     Item No. 4. Page 4 of 5 when they have commitment statements in a Safety Plan but have not accompanied this with sufficient efforts to institutionalize the commitment and reduce barriers to adoption. This staff report, in particular, seeks to provide the transparency on how this Safety Action Plan will shift staff priorities, focus areas, and the decision-making processes. The public review and community engagement efforts for this draft Safety Action Plan offer the opportunity to influence the tradeoff process that the final Plan will direct staff to follow. Draft Safety Action Plan Public Review The Draft SS4A Safety Action Plan was published on the City’s website on December 13, 2024. Staff distributed information about the Draft Safety Action Plan through the City’s project website and citywide communication channels. Public comments will be accepted via the project website through February 14, 2025.8 Next Steps The Palo Alto SS4A Safety Action Plan will return to Council for adoption in Spring 2025. For consistency with Federal funding requirements from the SS4A Self-Certification Eligibility Worksheet9, staff intend to recommend a resolution that contains a policy that commits to eliminating traffic deaths and serious injuries by a specific date. The draft resolution can be found on page 3 of the draft Safety Action Plan (Attachment A). When the project was first brought to the standing committees and Council, the zero-goal year was identified as 2030. Discussions with stakeholders and City staff identified that more time is needed to strengthen the City’s culture and climate of systemic safety within the agency and the community. This starts with more systematically addressing key risk factors and barriers to safety that exist in Palo Alto and instilling or fortifying the City’s commitment to align design, maintenance, and operation decisions in alignment with the Safe System Approach. With the policy, planning, design, and implementation needed to create a roadway system that is self- enforcing and proactively reduces speeds, staff recommends that the standing committees and Council identify a zero-goal year of 2035 or 2040 with the final Plan adoption. Once feedback is consolidated from the community, standing committees, and Council, staff and the City’s consultants will update the Draft Safety Action Plan and bring it back to City Council for final review and adoption. FISCAL/RESOURCE IMPACT The total cost for the SS4A Safety Action Plan is estimated at $200,000 with the FWHA contributing $160,000 (80%), and City contributing the remaining $40,000 (20%). On June 19, 2023, the Council 8 Safe Streets for All (SS4A) Safety Action Plan website, https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/Departments/Transportation/Transportation-Projects/Safety-Action-Plan 9 Safe Streets for All (SS4A) Self-Certification Eligibility Worksheet, https://www.transportation.gov/sites/dot.gov/files/2024-02/SS4A-FY24-Self-Certification-Worksheet.pdf Item 4 Staff Report     Packet Pg. 11     Item No. 4. Page 5 of 5 approved CMR 2305-152510 which amended the FY 2024 Parking and Transportation Improvements Project Budget (PL-12000) by increasing revenue and project expense by $160,000. The remaining $40,000 was absorbed in the project’s existing FY 2024 Adopted Capital Budget appropriation. STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT Community Engagement for Plan Development Chapter 2 of the draft SS4A Safety Action Plan details the community engagement conducted. Since Fall 2023, engagement opportunities included an online survey, an interactive web-based map, and tables at Bike Palo Alto and the May Fete Fair. For each phase of outreach, the project team met with standing committees, including the City/School Transportation Safety Committee (CSTSC), the Pedestrian and Bicycle Advisory Committee (PABAC), and the Planning and Transportation Commission (PTC). In addition, the Human Relations Commission (HRC) received a presentation on the draft SS4A Safety Action Plan at their January 9, 2025, meeting. As noted in the Background section, informational reports sharing interim deliverables and summarizing committee feedback were provided to Council for each phase of the project. Safety Action Plan Task Force Ongoing stakeholder engagement is required for the implementation of the Safety Action Plan. Rather than create a new body to oversee plan implementation, staff propose to use existing standing committees staffed by the Office of Transportation: the CSTSC, the PABAC, and the PTC. SS4A Safety Action Plan progress and collision data would be shared with the three bodies that would make recommendations to the City Council about SS4A Safety Action Plan activities. ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW This study session is not a project as defined by CEQA because it does not involve any commitment to any specific project which may result in a potentially significant physical impact on the environment. CEQA Guidelines section 15061(b)(3). ATTACHMENTS Attachment A: Draft Palo Alto Safety Action Plan AUTHOR/TITLE: Sylvia Star-Lack, Manager Transportation Planning 10 https://cityofpaloalto.primegov.com/Portal/viewer?id=2303&type=0 Item 4 Staff Report     Packet Pg. 12     Attachment A The Safe Streets for All Safety Action Plan can be viewed at this link: https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/files/assets/public/v/1/transportation/projects/ss4a-safety- action-plan/palo-alto_public-draft-safety-action-plan-121624.pdf Item 4 Attachment A: Draft Palo Alto Safety Action Plan     Packet Pg. 13     Item No. 5. Page 1 of 1 Planning & Transportation Commission Staff Report From: Planning and Development Services Director Lead Department: Planning and Development Services Meeting Date: January 29, 2025 Report #: 2501-4036 TITLE Approval of Planning & Transportation Commission Draft Summary & Verbatim Minutes of December 11, 2024 RECOMMENDATION Staff recommends that the Planning & Transportation Commission (PTC) adopt the meeting minutes. BACKGROUND Draft verbatim and summary minutes from the December 11, 2024 Planning & Transportation Commission (PTC) meeting were made available to the Commissioners prior to the January 29, 2025 meeting date. The draft PTC minutes can be viewed online on the City’s website at bit.ly/PaloAltoPTC. ATTACHMENTS There are no attachments. AUTHOR/TITLE: Veronica Dao, Administrative Associate Item 5 Staff Report     Packet Pg. 14