HomeMy WebLinkAbout2003-01-13 City Council (5)TO:
FROM:
City of Palo Alto
HONORABLE CITY COUNCIL
CITY MANAGER DEPARTMENT: PLANNING AND
COMMUNITY ENVIRONMENT
DATE:
SUBJECT:
JANUARY 13, 2003 CMR:105:03
APPROVAL OF A CONTRACT WITH ST. FRANCIS ELECTRIC IN
THE AMOUNT OF $147,975 FOR MODIFYING THE TRAFFIC
SIGNAL AT ARASTRADERO ROAD AND TERN[AN & DONALD
DRIVES
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that Council:
Approve and authorize the Mayor to execute the attached contract (Attachment A) with
St. Francis Electric in the amount of $147,975 for modifying the traffic signal and
related striping, signing and roadway work at the intersection of Arastradero" Road and
Terman and Donald Drives.
Authorize the City Manager or his designee to negotiate and execute one or more change
orders to the contract with St. Francis Electric for related additional, but unforeseen,
work that may develop during the project--the tota! value of which shall not exceed
$15,000.
BACKGROUND
At its meeting of August 5, 2002, Council approved a resolution establishing no parking
zones on the north and south sides of Arastradero Road for a distance of 300 feet to the east
of the easterly crosswalk at Donald and Terman Drives; and for a distance of 165 feet to the
west of the westerly crosswalk. The resolution was approved in connection with the
creation of left-turn pockets on Arastradero Road and provision of left-turn signal phases. A
significant increase in traffic turning left from Arastradero Road onto Terman Drive is
anticipated with the opening of the Ternaan Middle School in September 2003. The Terman
Middle School Draft Environmental Impact Report (DEIR) identifies creation of left-turn
pockets on Arastradero Road and left-turn signal phases as traffic mitigation measures. The
site plan and EIR for Terman Middle School have been completed and approved. The left-
turn pockets and the left-turn signal phases should be installed by August 2003 (Attachment
B, CMR:369:02 dated August 5, 2002).
CMR:105:03 Page 1 of 3
DISCUSSION
Staff prepared plans and specifications and bid the project for construction. The project
consists of: modification of the existing two-phase fully actuated traffic sisal to a five-
phase signal to provide left-turn green arrows along Arastradero Road; construction of
wheelchair ramps at all four corners; widening of the sidewalks at all four corners for extra
storage of students trying to cross the street; accommodation of an all-walk phase similar to
the intersection of Embarcadero and Middlefield Roads; larger pedestrian push buttons; new
signal poles and LED signal heads; and related striping and signing to accommodate the
left-turn pockets along Arastradero Road. The project does not include any road widening.
As indicated in CMR:369:02, left-turn pockets will be accommodated within the existing
paved area while maintaining the bike lanes.
Bid Process
A notice inviting formal bids for this project was mailed November 1, 2002 to three.
builders’ exchanges and seven electrical contractors and equipment suppliers, and was
posted on the City’s web page. The bidding period was 21 days. As shown in the bid
summary sheet (Attachment C), three bids were received from qualified contractors. Bids
ranged from a high of $213,420 to a low of $147,975. After reviewing all of the bids
submitted, staff recommends that Council accept the bid of $147,975 submitted by St.
Francis Electric, and that St. Francis Electric be declared the lowest responsible bidder. The
bid is very close to the engineer’s estimate of $150,000. The change order amount of
$15,000, which equals ten percent of the total contract, is requested for related, unforeseen
work. Staff checked with the Contractor’s State License Board and found that the contractor
has an active license on file.
RESOURCE IMPACT
Funds to complete this project are included in the 2002-03 Electric Utility CIP. As a
condition of approval of the Community Day School project, the Day School will reimburse
the City for $20,300 of the project cost.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
The project is categorically exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA)
under Section 15301 of the CEQA Guidelines (minor alterations to existing facilities).
ATTACHMENTS
A. Contract with St. Francis Electric
B. CMR:369:02
C. Bid Summary Sheet
CMR:105:03 Page 2 of 3
PREPARED BY:
;HOK AGGARWAL
Traffic Engineer
DEPARTMENT HEAD:
/
CITY MANAGER APPROVAL:
STEVE EMSLIE
Director of Planning and
Colnmunity Environment
Assistant City Manager
St. Francis Electric
Palo Alto Unified School District
Mid-Peninsula Jewish Community Day School
Peter and Nelly Potman, 676 Arastradero Road
Edith Martin, 674 Arastradero Road
~-~Page 3 of 3CMR: 10~ :0~
ATTACHMENT A
FORMAL CONTRACT
CONTRACT No. C3148491
(Public Work)
Planning Department
SECTION 500
This Contract, number C3148491 dated x is entered into by and between the City of Palo Alto, a chartered city
and a municipal corporation of the State of California ("City"), and St. Francis Electric ("Contractor").
For and in consideration of the covenants, terms, and conditions ("the provisions") of this Contract, City and Contractor
("the parties") agree:
Term. This Contract shall commence and be binding on the parties on the Date of Execution of this Contract,
and shall expire on the date of recordation of the Notice of Substantial Completion, or, if no such notice is
required to be filed, on the date that final payment is made hereunder, subject to the earlier termination of this
Contract.
General Scope of Proiect and Work. Contractor shall furnish labor, services, materials arid equipment in
connection with the construction of the Project and complete the Work in accordance with the covenants, terms
and conditions of this Contract to the satisfaction of City. The Project and Work is generally described as
follows:
Title of Project:Traffic Signal Modification at Arastradero and Terman, Invitation for Bid (IFB) No. 148491
Bid:$ 147.975.00
Contract Documents. This Contract shall consist of the documents set forth below, which are on file with the
City Clerk and are hereby incorporated by reference. For the purposes of construing, interpreting and resolving
inconsistencies between and among the provisions of this Contract, these documents and the provisions
thereof are set forth in the following descending order of precedence.
This Contract.
Invitation for Bid.
Project Specifications.
Drawings.
Change Orders.
Bid.
Supplementary Conditions.
General Conditions.
Standard Drawings and Specifications (1992).
Certificate of Insurance, Performance Bond, Labor & Materials (Payment) Bond.
Other Specifications, or part thereof, not expressly incorporated in the Contract Specifications or the
Standard Drawings and Specifications (1992).
Any other document not expressly mentioned herein which is issued by City or entered into by the
parties.
Compensation. In consideration of Contractor’s performance of its obligations hereunder, City shall pay to
Contractor the amount set forth in Contractor’s Bid in accordance with the provisions of this Contract and upon
the receipt of written invoices and all necessary supporting documentation within the time set forth in the
Contract Specifications and the Standard Drawings and Specifications (1992), or, if no time is stated, within
thirty (30) Days of the date of receipt of Contractor’s invoices.
Insurance. On or before the Date of Execution, Contractor shall obtain and maintain the policies of insurance
coverage described in the Invitation For Bid on terms and conditions and in amounts as may be required bythe
Risk Manager. City shall not be obligated to take out insurance on Contractor’s personal property or the
personal property of any person performing labor or services or supplying materials or equipment under the
Project. Contractor shall furnish City with the certificates of insurance and with original endorsements affecting
coverage required under this Contract on or before the Date of Execution. The certificates and endorsements
for each insurance policy shall be signed by a person who is authorized by that insurer to bind coverage in its
behalf. Proof of insurance shall be mailed to the Project Manager to the address set forth in Section 16 of this
Contract.
CITY OF PALO ALTO IFB 148491
rev. 12/00
PAGE 1 OF 7
FORMAL CONTRACT SECTION 500
Indemnification. Contractor agrees to protect, defend, indemnify and hold City, its Council members, officers,
employees, agents and representatives harmless from and against any and all claims, demands, liabilities,
losses, damages, costs, expenses, liens, penalties, suits, or judgments, arising, in whole or in part, directly or
indirectly, at any time from any injury to or death of persons or damage to property as a result of the willful acts
or the negligent acts or omissions of Contractor, or which results from Contractor’s noncompliance with any Law
respecting the condition, use, occupation or safety of the Project site, or any part thereof, or which arises from
Contractor’s failure to do anything required under this Contract or for doing anything which Contractor is
required not to do under this Contract, or which arises from conduct for which any Law may impose strict liability
on Contractor in the performance of or failure to perform the provisions of this Contract, except as may arise
from the sole willful acts or negligent acts or omissions of City or any of its Council members, officers,
employees, agents or representatives. This indemnification shall extend to any and all claims, demands, or
liens made or filed by reason of any work performed by Contractor under this Contract at any time during the
term of this Contract, or arising thereafter.
To the extent Contractor will use hazardous materials in connection with the execution of its obligations under
this Contract, Contractor further expressly agrees to protect, indemnify, hold harmless and defend City, its City
Council members, officers and employees from and against any and all claims, demands, liabilities, losses,
damages, costs, expenses, liens, penalties, suits, or judgments City may incur, arising, in whole or in part, in
connection with or as a result of Contractor’s willful acts or negligent acts or omissions under this Contract,
under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (42 U.S.C. ~9601-6975,
as amended); the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (42 U.S.C. ~6901-6992k, as amended); the Toxic
Substances Control Act (15 U.S.C. ~2601-2692, as amended); the Carpenter-Prestey-Tanner Hazardous
Substance Account Act (Health & Safety Code, 9~25300-25395, as amended); the Hazardous Waste Control
Law (Health & Safety Code, 9925100-25250.25, as amended); the Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement
Act (Health & Safety Code, ~25249.5-25249.13, as amended); the Underground Storage of Hazardous
Substances Act (Health & Safety Code, )~25280-25299.7, as amended); or under any other local, state or
federal law, statute or ordinance, or at common law.
Assumption of Risk. Contractor agrees to voluntarily assume any and all risk of loss, damage, or injury to the
property of Contractor which may occur in, on, or about the Project site at any time and in any manner,
excepting such loss, injury, or damage as may be caused by the sole willful act or negligent act or omission of
City or any of its Council members, officers, employees, agents or representatives.
Waiver. The acceptance of any payment or performance, or any part thereof, shall not operate as a waiver by
City of its rights under this Contract. A waiver by City of any breach of any part or provision of this Contract by
Contractor shall not operate as a waiver or continuing waiver of any subsequent breach of the same or any
other provision, nor shall any custom or practice which may arise between the parties in the administration of
any part or provision of this Contract be construed to waive or to lessen the right of City to insist upon the
performance of Contractor in strict compliance with the covenants, terms and conditions of this Contract.
9o No Exoneration By Inspection: The City has the right, but not the duty, to inspect Contractor’s Work. The right
of inspection is solely for the benefit of City. Contractor has the obligation to complete the Work in a
satisfactory manner in compliance with Contract requirements. The presence of a City inspector does not shift
that obligation to the City or relieve Contractor from its obligations to complete the Work in a satisfactory
manner in compliance with the Contract requirements.
10.Compliance with Laws. Contractor shall comply with all Laws now in force or which may hereafter be in force
pertaining to the Project and Work and this Contract, with the requirement of any bond or fire underwriters or
other similar body now or hereafter constituted, with any discretionary license or permit issued pursuant to any
Law of any public agency or official as well as with any provision of all recorded documents affecting the E’roject
site, insofar as any are required by reason of the use or occupancy of the Project site, and with all Laws
pertaining to nondiscrimination in employment and hazardous materials.
11.Bonds. Asa condition precedent to City’s obligation to pay compensation to Contractor, and on or before the
Date of Execution, Contractor shall furnish to the Project Manager the Bonds as required under the Invitation
For Bid.
12. Representations and Warranties. in the supply of any materials and equipment and the rendering of labor and
CITY OF PALO ALTO IFB 148491 PAGE 2 OF 7
rev. 12/o0
FORMAL CONTRACT SECTION 500
services during the course and scope of the Project and Work, Contractor represents and warrants:
a.Any materials and equipment which shall be used during the course and scope of the Project and
Work shall be vested in Contractor;
bo Any materials and equipment which shall be used during the course and scope of the Project and
Work shall be merchantable and fit to be used for the particular purpose for which the materials are
required;
Co Any labor and services rendered and materialsand equipment used or.employed during the course
and scope of the Project and Work shall be free of defects in workmanship for a period of one (1) year
after the recordation of the Notice of Substantial Completion, or, if no such notice is required to be
filed, on the date that final payment is made hereunder;
Any manufacturer’s warranty obtained by Contractor shall be obtained or shall be deemed obtained by
Contractor for and in behalf of City.
Any information submitted by Contractor prior to the award of Contract, or thereafter, upon request,
whether or not submitted under a continuing obligation by the terms of the Contract to do so, is true
and correct at the time such information is submitted or made available to the City;
Contractor has not colluded, conspired, or agreed, directly or indirectly, with any person in regard to
the terms and conditions of Contractor’s Bid, except as may be permitted by the Invitation For Bid;
go Contractor has the power and authority to enter into this Contract with City, that the individual
executing this Contract is duly authorized to do so by appropriate resolution, and that this Contract
shall be executed, delivered and performed pursuant to the power and authority conferred upon the
person or persons authorized to bind Contractor;
Contractor has not made an attempt to exert undu.e influence with the Purchasing Manager or Project
Manager or any other person who has directly contributed to City’s decision to award the contract to
Contractor;
There are no unresolved claims or disputes between Contractor and City which would materially affect
Contractor’s ability to perform under the Contract;
Contractor has furnished and will furnish true and accurate statements, records, reports, resolutions,
certifications, and other written information as may be requested of Contractor by City from time to
time during the term of this Contract;
ko Contractor and any person performing labor and services under this Project are duly licensed by the
State of California as required by California Business & Professions Code Section 7028, as amended;
and
Contractor has fully examined and inspected the Project site and has full knowledge of the physical
conditions of the Project site.
13.Assi.qnment. This Contract and the performance required hereunder is personal to Contractor, and it shall not
be assigned by Contractor. Any attempted assignment shall be null and void.
14.Claims of Contractor. All claims pertaining to extra work, additional charges, or delays within the Contract Time
or other disputes arising out of the Contract shall be submitted by Contractor to City in writing by certified or
registered mail within ten (10) Days after the claim arose or within such other time as may be permitted or
required by law, and shall be described in sufficient detail to give adequate notice of the substance of the claim
to City.
15.Audits by City.. During the term of this Contract and for a period of not less than three (3) years after the
expiration or earlier termination of this Contract, City shall have the right to audit Contractor’s Project-related
and Work-related writings and business records, as such terms are defined in California Evidence Code
CITY OF PALO ALTO IFB 148491
rev. 12/o0
PAGE 3 OF 7
FORMAL CONTRACT
16.
SECTION 500
Sections 250 and 1271, as amended, during the regular business hours of Contractor, or, if Contractor has no
such hours, during the regular business hours of City.
Notices. All agreements, appointments, approvals, authorizations, claims, demands, Change Orders, consents,
designations, notices, offers, requests and statements given by either party to the other shall be in writing and
shall be sufficiently given and served upon the other party if (1) personally served, (2) sent by the United States
mail, postage prepaid, (3) sent by private express delivery service, or (4) in the case of a facsimile transmission,
if sent to the telephone FAX number set forth below during regular business hours of the receiving party and
followed within two (2) Days by delivery of a hard copy of the material sent by facsimile transmission, in
accordance with (1), (2) or (3) above. Personal service shall include, without limitation, service by delivery and
service by facsimile transmission.
To City:City of Palo Alto
City Clerk
250 Hamilton Avenue
P.O. Box 10250
Palo Alto, CA 94303
17.
Copy to:City of Palo Alto
Planning Department
250 Hamilton Avenue
Palo Alto, CA 94303
Attn: Ashok Aggarwal, Project Manager
To Contractor:St. Francis Electric
23294 Connecticut Street
Hayward, CA 94545
Attn: Robert Spinardi
Appropriation of City Funds. This Contract is subject to the fiscal provisions of Article III, Section 12 of the
Charter of the City of Palo Alto. Any charges hereunder for labor, services, materials and equipment may
accrue only after such expenditures have been approved in advance in writing in accordance with applicable
Laws. This Contract shall terminate without penalty (I) at the end of any fiscal year in the event that funds are
not appropriated for the following fiscal year, or (ii) at any time within a fiscal year in the event that funds are
only appropriated for a portion of the fiscal year and funds for this Contract are no longer available. This
Section 17 shall control in the event of a conflict with any other provision of this Contract.
18.Miscellaneous.
So
bo
Bailee Disclaimer. The parties understand and agree that City does not purport to be Contractors
bailee, and City is, therefore, not responsible for any damage to the personal property of Contractor.
Consent. Whenever in this Contract the approval or consent of a party is required, such approval or
consent shall be in writing and shall be executed by a person having the express authority to grant
such approval or consent.
Controlling Law. The parties agree that this Contract shall be governed and construed by and in
accordance with the Laws of the State of California.
Definitions. The definitions and terms set forth in Section 1 of the Standard Drawings and
Specifications (1992) of this Contract are incorporated herein by reference.
Force Majeure. Neither party shall be deemed to be in default on account of any delay or failure to perform
its obligations under this Contract which directly results from an Act of God or an act of a superior
governmental authority.
CITY OF PALO ALTO IFB 148491
rev. 12/00
PAGE4 OF7
FORMAL CONTRACT
f.
SECTION 500
Headings. The paragraph headings are not a part of this Contract and shall have no effect upon thu
construction or interpretation of any part of this Contract.
Incorporation of Documents. All documents constituting the Contract documents described in Section
3 hereof and all documents which may, from time to time, be referred to in any duly executed
amendment hereto are by such reference incorporated in this Contract and shall be deemed to be part
of this Contract.
Integration. This Contract and any amendments hereto between the parties constitute the entire
agreement between the parties concerning the Project and Work, and there are no other prior oral or
written agreements between tl~e parties that are not incorporated in this Contract.
Modification of Agreement. This Contract shall not be modified or be binding upon the parties, unless
such modification.is agreed to in writing and signed by the parties.
Provision. Any agreement, covenant, condition, clause, qualification, restriction, reservation, term or
other stipulation in the Contract shall define or otherwise control, establish, or limit the performance
required or permitted or to be required of or permitted by either party. All provisions, whether
covenants or conditions, shall be deemed to be both covenants and conditions.
Resolution. Contractor shall submit with its Bid a copy of any corporate or partnership resolution or
other writing, which authorizes any director, officer or other employee or partner to act for or in behalf
of Contractor or which authorizes Contractor to enter into this Contract.
Severability. If a court of competent jurisdiction finds or rules that any provision of this Contract is void
or unenforceable, the provision¢, of this Contract not so affected shall remain in full force and effect.
Status of Contractor. In the exercise of rights and obligations under this Contract, Contractor acts as
an independent contractor and not as an agent or employee of City. Contractor shall not be entitled to
any rights and benefits accorded or accruing to the City Council members, officers or employees of
City, and Contractor expressly waives any and all claims to such rights and benefits.
Successors and Assigns. The provisions of this Contract shall inure to the benefit of, and shall apply
to and bind, the successors and a~;signs of the parties.
Time of the Essence. Time is of the essence of this Contract and each of its provisions. In the
calculation of time hereunder, the time in which an act is to be performed shall be computed by
excluding the first Day and including the last. If the time in which an act is to be performed falls on a
Saturday, Sunday, or any Day observed as a legal holiday by City, the time for performance shall be
extended to the following Business Day.
Alternative Dispute Resolution. The parties shall endeavor to resolve any disputes or claims arising
out of or relating to this Contract by mediation, which, unless the parties agree otherwise, shall be
conducted under the auspices of the Judicial Arbitration and Mediation Service (JAMS), San Jose,
California. The intent of the parties is that the mediation shall proceed in advance of litigation;
however, if any party should commence litigation before the conclusion of mediation, such litigation,
including discovery, shall be stayed pending completion of mediation, and by executing this Contract
the parties stipulate to mediation in accordance with Santa Clara County
Superior Court Local Rule 1.15 or Rule 2-3(b) of the ADR Local Rules of the U.S. District Court for the
Northern District of California, as suct~ rules may be.amended from time to time. The parties shall
share the cost of the mediation, including the mediator’s fee, equally. Any written agreement reached
in mediation shall be enforceable pursuant to California Code of Civil Procedure § 664.6, as amended.
Venue. Unless the parties mutually agree otherwise, mediation shall take place in San Jose,
California. In the event that litigation is commenced by any party hereunder, the parties agree that
such action shall be vested exclusively in the state courts of California in the County of Santa Clara or
in the United States District Court for the Northern District of California.
CITY OF PALO ALTO IFB 148491
rev. 12/00
PAGE 5 OF 7
FORMAL CONTRACT SECTION 500
r.Recovery of Costs. Each Party shall bear its own costs, including attorney’s fees, through the
completion of mediation. If the claim or dispute is not resolved through mediation, or if litigation is
necessary to enforce a settlement reached at mediation pursuant to California Code of Civil Procedure
§ 664.6, as amended, then the prevailing party in any subsequent litigation may recover its reasonable
costs, including attorney’s fees, incurred subsequent to conclusion of the mediation.
Flow-down. Contractor agrees to include provisions of this Contract relating to Alternative Dispute
Resolution, Venue. and Recovery of Costs in any subcontracts or major material purchase
agreements which it enters into in connection with this Contract, and to require its subcontractors to
include those provisions in any sub-contracts or major material purchase agreements, such that any
mediation or litigation of any claim or dispute asserted by a subcontractor or major material supplier
will be consolidated with any related claim or dispute between the Contractor and the City. Should the
Contractor fail to do so, such that the City is required to defend an action brought by a subcontractor
or material supplier inconsistent with the Alternative Dispute and Venue provisions of this Contract,
Contractor shall indemnify City for City’s costs of defense, including reasonable attorney’s fees.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have by their duly appointed representatives executed this Contract in the city of
Palo Alto, County of Santa Clara, State of California on the date first stated above.
ATTEST:
City Clerk
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
CITY OF PALO ALTO
By:
Its Mayor
Senior Assistant City Attorney
APPROVED:CONTRACTOR:
Assistant City Manager
Director of Planning & Community Environment
Director of Utilities
Director of Administrative Services
Contract Manager (Insurance Review)
By:
Name
Title:
By:
Name:
Title
(Compliance with California Corporations Code 313 is required if the entity
on whose behalf this cont/act is signed is a corporation. In the alternative,
a certified corporate resolution attesting to the signatory authority of the
individuals signing in their respective capacities is acceptable.
CITY OF PALO ALTO IFB 148491
rev. 12/00
PAGE6 OF7
FORMAL CONTRACT SECTION 500
CERTIFICATE OF ACKNOWLEDGMENT
(Civil Code ) 1189)
STATE OF )
ss
COUNTY OF )
On .... before me
a notary public in and for said County, personally appeared ........
personally known to me (or proved to me on the basis of satisfactory evidence) to be the person(s) whose
name(s) is/are subscribed to the within instrument and acknowledged to me that he/she/they executed the
same in his/her/their authorized capacity(ies), and that by his/her/their signature(s) on the instrument the
person(s), or the entity upon behalf of which the person(s) acted, executed the instrument.
WITNESS my hand and official seal.
Signature (Seal)
CITY OF PALO ALTO IFB 148491
rev. 12/00
PAGE 7 OF 7
ATTACHMENT B
of Palo Alto
anager’s Report
TO:HONORABLE CITY COUNCIL
FROM:CITY MANAGER DEPARTMENT: PLANNING AND
COMMUNITY ENVIRONMENT
DATE:AUGUST 5, 2002 CMR:369:02
SUBJECT:PLANNING AND TRANSPORTATION
RECOMMENDATION TO THE CITY COUNCIL
RESOLUTION APPROVING NO PARKING
ARASTRADERO ROAD AT TERMAN DRIVE
COMISSION
TO ADOPT A
ZONES ON
REPORT IN BRIEF
A significant increase in traffic turning left from Arastradero Road onto Terman Drive is
anticipated with the opening of the Terman Middle School in September 2003. The Terman
Middle School Draft Environmental Impact Report identifies creation of left-turn pockets
and left-turn signal phases as a traffic mitigation. At present, delay and traffic back-up occur
on Arastradero due to left-turning traffic and there is an accident history of collisions
between left-turners and. opposing through traffic. Present and anticipated traffic congestion
and safety problems can be addressed through implementation of left-turn pockets and left-
turn signal phases at the intersection of Arastradero and Donald/Terman.
Creation Of left-turn pocket requires at least 9.5 feet of pavement width. The Comprehensive
Plan, however, discourages increases in curb-to-curb pavement width while at the same time
encourages creation or maintenance of cycling facilities such as the existing bicycle lanes on
Arastradero which serve schools, libraries, and other community activity centers. Working
within these constraints requires re-allocation of pavement width in the vicinity of the
Arastradero and Donald/Terman intersection, which is now devoted to parking, to new left-
turn pockets.
Staff proposes creation of left-turning lanes of minimum acceptable width and length while
retaining minimum acceptable bicycle lane width. Nevertheless, this will require removal of
approximately eighteen 24-hour parking spaces, which would be eliminated along the fronts
and sides of residences on the north side of Arastradero, and 23 night-time spaces on the
.south side primarily in fi:ont of the Terman and Day School sites. Cycling facilities on the
south side of Arastradero would be up~aded, however, by providing a 24-hour bike lane
where currently there is a daytime-only bike lane. While the parking spaces removed are
used infrequently, residents who abut Arastradero near this intersection have expressed
CMR:369:02 Page 1 of 7
concern about shifting the travel lane closer to their homes. Staff anticipates’ enhanced
traffic safety for all modes of travel and reduced traffic congestion on Arastradero through
the creation of left-turn pockets and signal phases at the Arastradero-Donald!Terman
intersection..Staff proposes to do this without widening curb-to-curb pavement width or
eliminating the existing bicycle lanes at this location.
CMR:369:02 Pag.e 2 of 7
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that City Council approve the attached resolution authorizing the
establishment of no parking zones on the north and south sides of Arastradero Road for a
distance of 300 feet to the east of the easterly crosswalk at Donald and Terman Drives; and
for a distance of 165 feet to the west of the westerly crosswalk.
BACKGROUND
In the past few years, staff has received multiple complaints about problems due to drivers
making left turns from Arastradero Road to Tel-man Drive and (to a lesser extent) Donald
Drive. There are no left-turn lanes or signals at that intersection. Staff reviewed the crash
history and found that a substantial number of crashes related to "left-turn movements have
occurred at this intersection since 1985. In 1997, the Mid-Peninsula Jewish Community Day
School submitted a development application for a new facility with access on Terman Drive.
Because the Day School was going to substantially increase left-turning traffic to Terman
Drive, the City required the applicant to fund its proportional share of new left-turn lanes
and signals, which will be constructed by the City. The new lanes will require that parking
be prohibited along both sides of Arastradero Road, which requires Council approval.
Staff first sent the no parking zones request to Council on October 4, 1999, with a
recommendation that Council refer the issue to the Planning and Transportation
Commission (Attachment C, CMR:375:99). The Commission discussed this issue at great
length on November 10, 1999. The Commission’s primary concern was the impact on
residences on the north side of Arastradero Road, especially the removal of parking.
Nevertheless, the Commission recommended that Council approve the resolution submitted
by staff. The Commission also requested that staff prepare for Council consideration an
alternate proposal with narrower lanes in order to preserve nighttime parking on the north
side of Arastradero Road. The Commission stated that, if staff believed this alternate
proposal was safe and workable, this would become the Commission’s preferred plan. The
Commissioners did not request that the alternate proposal be brought back to them.
Commissioners also requested that staff prepare several other alternatives that might lessen
the parking impacts and provide that information to the Council for its consideration. In
April 2000, staff prepared that information, but the left-turn project was halted at that point
due to news that Terman Middle School might reopen on the site, replacing the Jewish
Community Center (JCC). This major change in use would potentially change the site
access and!or trip generation.
The site plans and EIR for Terman Middle School have now been completed and approved,
with the school scheduled to open in September 2003. The number of peak hour westbound
Arastradero left-turns into Terman Drive will be slightly higher than with the JCC
occupancy of the site. One of the mitigation measures in the Terman School EIR is that the
City install left-turn pockets and signal phasing at the Arastradero/TermanfDonald
intersection before the school opens. The Transportation Division has determined that the
length of the left-turn pockets proposed earlier in 1999, and hence the length of the proposed
CMR:369:02 Page 3 of 7
no parking zone, will still be sufficient for the change in use, except the length of the pocket
and the associated no parking zone to the west of the westerly crosswalk can be reduced
from 200 feet to 165 feet.
DISCUSSION
Staff has determined that the April 2000 alternatives analysis is valid for comparisgn
purposes with the new use on the Terman site, and it is included as Attachment B. Staff’s
proposed restriping plan recommended for approval by the Planning and Transportation
Commission is referred to as Alternative 1. (This alternative is the basis of Exhibit A of the
resolution--Attachment 1). The alternative favored by the Commission (if workable), to
narrow all lanes in order to preserve some parking, is referred to as Alternative 2.
Alternatives 1 and 2 are illustrated in Attachment B and discussed in the following
paragraphs. A comparison table of all alternatives is included in Attachment B.
Alternative 1: Staff’s Proposed Plan. Arastradero varies in width from 58.3 feet to 60 feet
from curb to curb. It is striped with four 10-foot vehicle lanes, a 13-foot bicycle/parking
lane on the north side and a seven-foot bicycle lane on the south side. Parking is allowed in
the south side bicycle lane only at night (7:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m.). When cars are so parked, it
is not usable as a bike lane. Alternative 1 consists of adding a left-turn pocket in each
direction on Arastradero Road at the Terrnan!Donald intersection, with protected left-turn
signal phasing. In order to install the left-turn pockets within the existing traveled way,
bicycle lane widths would be reduced to five feet on both sides of Arastradero. Parking
would be eliminated as shown in Exhibit A. On the north side of Arastradero, approximately
eighteen 24-hour parking spaces would be eliminated along the fronts and sides of
residences. This parking area is only occasionally used. On the south side of Arastradero,
approximately 23 night-time parking spaces would be eliminated, primarily in front of the
Terman and Day School sites. The side of one residence would be affected. Again, these
spaces appear to be only occasionally used. All traffic lanes would be t 0 feet wide (left-turn
lanes 9.5 feet), which is the minimum .desirable width for an arterial street. Five feet is the
minimum acceptable bike lane width; Palo Alto usually provides at least a six foot bike lane
width on major roadways. This alternative upgrades cycling facilities, however, by
providing a 24-hour bike lane on the south side of Arastradero, where currently it is a
daytime-only bike lane.
Alternative 2: Planning Commission Proposal--Narrow All Lanes to Preserve Parking on
North Side. Given the existing 60-58.3 foot-wide curb-to-curb width of Arastradero, no
design with nine or 9-1/2-foot lane widths can provide sufficient width to maintain 24-hour
parking on the north side of Arastradero. With all traffic lanes at 9-1/2 feet in width, the
south side bicycle lane would still have to be five feet wide as in Alternative 1. Thus, for
both Alternatives 1 and 2, 23 night time parking spaces would be lost on the south side of
Arastradero in front of the Terman and Day School sites and the side of one residence. The
north side bicycle lane with Alternative 2 would be. 7 feet wide (versus 5 feet in Alternative
1), which would then allow parking in the bike lane at night only (7:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m.).
CMR:369:02 Page 4 of 7
The bike lane is not usable when cars are parked in it. These 18 spaces would still be lost
during the day. Alternative 2 gives residents a slightly wider buffer between moving traffic
and their homes than Alternative 1 (an issue raised by some residents). Thus, Alternative 2
would partially address the concerns of some Arastradero Road residents about staff’s
proposal, and it addresses a Commission concern about maintaining some parking on the
north side of Arastradero. However, staff does not support sub-10-foot traffic lanes on an
arterial road, especially adjacent to minimum-width bicycle lanes. Safety concerns with
regard to such lanes are especially acute as regards trucks and transit buses in the travel lane
adjacent to the bike lane. Arastradero Road is a school commute corridor and carries heavy
vehicle traffic. Staff concluded that the advantages to residents do not outweigh the potential
negative safety impact of narrow lanes on drivers and bicyclists.
Other Alternatives. Attachment B discusses four other alternatives that the Commission
requested be provided for informational purposes for Council review:
Alternative 3: Add new left-turn lane in westbound direction only (i.e., for Terman Drive
only). This is an unconventional design which is contrary to driver expectations and,
thus, may be confusing and result in potential safety problems.
Alternative 4: Widen south side of Arastradero Road and add east and westbound left-
turn lanes while maintaining existing parking. This alternative increases curb-to-curb
pavement width and project costs, and is not consistent with Comprehensive Plan
policies.
Alternative 5: Split the east and westbound Arastradero signal phases so that left turn
lanes are not needed and no restriping would be necessary and no loss of parking would
result. This alternative would cause excessive back ups, resulting in potential safety
problems and traffic shifting to parallel streets.
Alternative 6: Consider maintaining the status quo if the crash history is not substantially
different from Other similar locations and!or if the accident history is mostly minor
property-damage-only.
After examining all the alternatives, staff still supports only the original proposal--
Alternative 1. This design maintains minimum desirable and typical design standards for
left-turn pockets and phasing at intersections. Alternative 1 is the safest alternative, in that it
provides the maximum potential reduction in left-turn and left-turn related accidents, as well
as retains safe ~vidths for bike lanes and adjacent through lanes. Alternative parking for
residents is available on the side streets, although it is not as conveniently located. The
demand for parking in this area by residents is not high. The north side traffic lane would be
eight feet closer to residences, but Alternatives 2 and 3 reduce that impact only marginally.
CMR:369:02 Page 5 of 7
RESOURCE IMPACT
The estimated construction cost of this project has increased substantially from staffs
estimate provided in CMR:375:99, to a total of $220,000. This estimate is-based on bids
received recently for a similar project. This includes all signal, striping, signing, gutter and
handicapped ramp work. It also includes a new signal controller and ~abinet as well
necessary relocation of a utility box. Furthermore, the existing signal must continue to
function while the new signal is b.eing installed. The full project will be funded from the
Electric Utility Capital Improvement Program. As a condition of approval of the Jewish
Community Day School project, the Day School wi!l reimburse the City for $20,300 of the
project cost,
TIMELINE
The timeline to have the new signal installed by August 2003, to be in place before Terman
Middle School opens, is already very short. As a result, staff has begun designing the new
installation assuming that Council will approve the no parking zones. Any delay in this
schedule for consideration of other alternatives would jeopardize the installation date. Staff
anticipates that construction would start in July 2003 and be completed by the end of August
2003.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
This project is categorically exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA)
under Section 15301 of the CEQA Guidelines (minor alterations to existing facilities).
CMR:369:02 Page 6 of 7
ATTACHMENTS
A.Resolution Approving No Parking Zones on Arastradero Road and Exhibit A
B.Discussion of Alternatives Including Illustrations of Alternatives 1~ 2 and 3
C.CMR: 375:99
PREPARED BY:
DEPARTMENT HEAD:
CARL
~~
Transportation Engineer
S~EVE EMSLIE
Director of Planning and
Community Environment
CITY MANAGER APPROVAL:
Assistant City Manager
¯Arastradero Road residents
Mid-Peninsula Jewish Community Day School
Palo Alto Housing Corporation
Barton Park Neighborhood Association
Greenacres I and II Neighborhood Associations
Palo Alto Unified School District
CMR:369:02 Page 7 of 7
ATTACHMENT A
RESOLUTION NO.
RESOLUTION OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALO ALTO
APPROVING AND ADOPTING NO PARKING ZONES ON
ARASTRADERO ROAD
WHEREAS, a study of accidents at the Arastradero
Road/Terman Drive/Donald Drive intersection indicates that a
substantial number of accidents have occurred that are related to
vehicles turning left from Arastradero Road; and
WHEREAS, new and existing schools near Terman Drive will
cause a cumulative fifty, percent increase in peak hour left turns
from Arastradero Road onto Terman Drive; and
WHEREAS, left-turn lanes and signal phases are required to
substantially reduce the number of left-turn related accidents; and
WHEREAS, there is a need to establish zones where parking
is prohibited at any time in order to accommodate left-turn lanes
at this intersection; and
WHEREAS, Palo Alto Municipal Code section 10.44.010 enables
the City Council to establish by resolution such parking
restrictions and prohibitions as may be necessary.
NOW, THEREFORE, the City Council of the City of Pa!o Alto
does hereby RESOLVE as follows:
SECTION i. The City Council hereby establishes "No Parking
at Anytime" zones on the north and south sides of Arastradero Road
for a distance of 300 feet to the east of the easterly crosswalk;
and for a distance of 165 feet to the west of the westerly ¯
crosswalk, as. indicated in Exhibit A,attached hereto and
incorporated by reference.
//
//
//
//
//
//
//
020724 syn 0091123
SECTION 2. The Council finds that this project is
categorically exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act
("CEQA") under Section 15301 (minor alterations to existing
facilities) of the CEQA guidelines.
INTRODUCED AND PASSED:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSTENTIONS:
ABSENT:
ATTEST:APPROVED:
City Clerk
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
Senior Asst. City Attorney
Mayor
City Manager
Director of Planning and
Co~unity Environment
020711 syn 0091123
EXHIBIT A: NO PARKING ANY TIME TERMAN/ARASTRADERO INTERSECTION
ATTACHMENT B
DISCUSSION OF ALTERNATIVES FOR ADDING LEFT-TURN LANES
ON ARASTRADERO ROAD AT TERMANiDONALD D~VES
Notes: Refer to the comparison table at the end of Attachment B. The data used in this
discussion, including crash analysis, has not been updated since it was prepared in April
2000. This does not change the validity of this comparison of alternatives.
Alternative 1 : Original Staff Proposal-- 10-Foot Lane Widths (Figure 1)
This alternative is illustrated in Figure 1 and is the basis for Exhibit A of the resolution
approving No parking zones. This alternative is discussed under "Project Description and
Alternatives" in this staff report.
Alternative 2: Plannin,~ Commission Proposal--Reduced Lane Widths (Figure 2)
This alternative is illustrated in Figure 2. This alternative is discussed under ~Proj ect
Description and Alternatives" in this staff report.
Alternative 3: Add new left-turn lane in westbound direction only (i.e., for Terman Drive
only) (Figure 3).
During the AM and PM peak hours, the sum of westbound left turns into Terman Drive
(with JCC present) is 279 vehicles, and the sum of eastbound left turns into Donald Drive
is only 15 vehicles (the latter is five percent of the total). Of the 32 left-turn and left-turn-
related accidents at the intersection, 23 were caused by left turns into Terman, and nine
by left turns into Donald (the latter is 25 percent of the total). The volume of eastbound
left turns into Donald and the associated accident history do not Support a left-turn, pocket
and phase for this direction. When left-turn pockets and phasing are installed on a major
road, they are typically installed in both directions because they are warranted by the
turning volumes or accident history. At Arastradero/Terman!Donald, staff has
recommended left-turn facilities in both directions primarily to avoid potential driver
confusion. With left-turn facilities only in the westbound direction, some eastbound
drivers might think they could make protected left turns because they see westbound
drivers doing it. Driver confusion could lead to possible safety problems. There are no
locations in Palo Alto where a left-turn pocket and phase are installed in one direction
only. At the Alma/Churchill intersection, left-turn pockets are present for north- and
southbound Alma. But, up until a few years ago, a protected left-turn signal phase (~een
arrow) was provided only in the northbound direction because the number of southbound
left turns was so small. Over the years, this caused confusion for southbound drivers and
caused enough accidents that a left-turn signal.phase ixas also installed for the lightly-
used southbound direction.
Commissioners noted that the eastbound Arastradero left-turn pocket and signal phase are
not truly necessary for volume or accident reasons, and asked if they could be deleted
Attachment B Page 1 of 7
from staff’s proposal. Their hope was that this would enable a portion of the westbound
bike lane to remain wide enough for nighttime parking, or even to remain available for
full-time parking. Staff therefore prepared Alternative 3, as illustrated in Figure 3. This
alternative results in full loss of only ten of the existing 18, 24-hour parking spaces on the
north side of Arastradero. Of the eight remaining, six will be for nighttime only and two
are 24-hour spaces. On the south side of Arastradero only 15 of the 23 nighttime spaces
are lost. In summary, this alternative preserves, in some form, 10 of the existing 18 north
side parking spaces that would be lost under Alternative 1. These are the spaces that the
Commission and residents were most concerned about. Staff does not believe that the
benefits to residents override the concerns of driver confusion and possible resulting
¯ negative safety impacts.
Alternative 4: Widen south side of Arastradero Road and add east and westbound left-
turn lanes while maintaining existing parking.
The Commission asked whether the south side of Arastradero Road in front of the
Terman and Day School sites could be widened to provide space for the new !eft-turn
lanes. This could allow the existing westbound through lanes ~o remain where they are,
thus reducing or eliminating negative impacts on residents on the north side of
Arastradero. Staff estimates that this widening would cost at least $200,000, not
including the cost of right-of-way acquisition in front of the Day School. This cost would
be in addition to that of the signal and restriping work. The landscape strip, which
includes several mature trees, would have to be eliminated. Due primarily to the high cost
and lack of right-of-way, staff did not investigate th~s idea in further detail, and does not
recommend this alternative.
Alternative 5: Split the east and westbound Arastradero signal phases so that left turn
lanes are not needed and no restriping would be necessary and no loss of parking would
result.
The Commission did not promote this alternative design, but staff believes it deserves
brief mention. Instead of restriping lanes, removing parking, and performing major signal
work, the east-west signal phasing could simply be split. This means that all westbound
traffic on Arastradero Road (including left turns~ woulcl have an exclusive phase,
followed by an exclusive phase for all eastbound traffic (including left turns). The third
phase for Donald and Terman Drives would remain as it is. No changes would need to be
made to the layout of traffic and bicycle lanes or parking areas. This would be a simple
way to eliminate left-turn conflicts on Arastradero Road. Split phasing is commonly used
where traffic volumes are high and right-of-way is so constrained that additional lanes
cannot be added (examples are the East Meadow Drive and Charleston Road intersections
with Alma Street). The primary drawbacks are longer queues and congestion due to the
increased signal cycle time. At Arastradero/Terman, existing AM level of service (LOS)
A (before arrival of Terman School) would degrade to LOS C (after arrival of Terman
School and with split phase). The maximum peak-hour queue for westbound through
traffic could reach three blocks, and potentially more when pedestrians are crossing
Attachment B Page 2 of 7
Arastradero. Though LOS C is acceptable, the expected long queues Would significantly
worsen traffic congestion in this area, possibly leading to greater shortcutting traffic
along the Maybell corridor. (For comparison, after arrival of Terman School and with
staffs Alternative 1, AM LOS would be B.) Comprehensive Plan Policy T-39 generally
supports ~adternative 5 ("To the extent allowed by law, continue to make safety the first
priority of citywide transportation planning. Prioritize pedestrian, bicycle, and automobile
safety over vehicle level-of-service at intersections."). However, staff does not
recommend this option, due to the increased potential for driver frustration and
consequent commute traffic intrusion on neighborhood streets.
Alternative 6: Possibly consider maintaining the status quo if the crash history is not
substantially different from other similar locations and/or if the crash history is mostly
minor property-damage-only
As requested by the Commission, staff updated and expanded the crash analysis that was
presented in CMR:375:99. The Commission did not actually state that they might
consider recommending no action. But they seemed to imply that the left-turn pockets
should only be installed if the crash history clearly indicated unique and serious
problems. Between January 1985 and March 2000, 23 broadside crashes occurred
between left-turners and opposing through drivers on Arastradero Road. An additional
nine rear-end accidents occurred due to through drivers hitting drivers stopped in the
inside through lane to make left turns. Of this total of 32 left-turn and left-turn-related
accidents, only five also involved pedestrians or bicyclists in addition to the vehicles. Of
the 32, 10 involved relatively minor injury, with the remainder being property damage
only. This ratio mirrors that on a citywide annual basis.
During this same 15-year period, a total of 57 accidents of all types occurred on all four
legs of this intersection (including the above 32). The breakdown of the types of
violations for most of this 57-accident group is shown graphically in Figure 2. "Auto
right of way" is the primary type of violation for a left-turn (broadside) crash. The
primary type of violation causing left-turn-related (rear-end) crashes is "unsafe speed".
The total of 57. accidents, when computed as a rate per million vehicles entering the
intersection, places the Arastradero/TermardDonald intersection at about tenth worst in
the City, which is a poor ranking. Installation of the proposed left-turn lanes and signal
arrows is a wise improvement for this location, because it directly addresses the largest
clearly identifiable causal group of accidents.
Attachmeni B Page 3 of 7
~8
Figure 1
Arastradero/Terman/Donald Intersection
Staff Proposal--Minimum Standard Lane Widths
Page 5 of 7
Figure 2
Arastraderofrerman/Donald Intersection
Planning Commission Proposal--Reduced Lane Widths
Page 6 of 7
Figure 3
Arastraderofrerman/Donald Intersection
Left-Turn Lane Westbound Only
Page 7 of 7
ATTACHMENT C
City of Palo Alto
City Manager’s Report
TO:
ATTN:
HONORABLE CITY COUNCIL
PLANNING COMMISSION
FROM: CITY MANAGER DEPARTMENT: PLANNING
DATE:October 4, 1999 CMR: 375:99
SUBJECT:RESOLUTION APPROVING NO PARKING ZONES ON
ARASTRADERO ROAD AT TERMAN DRIVE
REPORT IN BRIEF
Due to the substantial number of accidents related to left turns from Arastradero Road to
Donald and Terman Drives, staff recommends that left-turn lanes and signal arrows be
installed on Arastradero Road at this intersection. The accident problem will be exacerbated
by added traffic from full occupancy~ of the Mid-Peninsula Jewish Community Day School
adjacent Io Terman Drive. In order to provide sufficient width on Arastradero Road to add
the left-turn lanes, the gutters must be narrowed and parking must be removed on the
eastbound and westbound approaches to this intersection. Council approval is required to
establish the new No Parking zones.
CMR:375:99 Page 1 of 4
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that Council refer to the Planning and Transportation Commission the
proposed establishment of No Parking zones on the north and south sides of Arastradero
Road for a distance of 300 feet to the east of the easterly crosswalk at Donald and Terman
Drives; and for a distance of 200 feet to the west of the westerly crosswalk, for discussion
and recommendation.
BACKGROUND
Terman Drive is the only vehicle access to the former Terman school site and the Terman
apartments adjacent to the site. Terman Drive is one leg of the four-legged Arastradero
Road/Terman Drive/Donald Drive intersection, located approximately midway between E1
Camino Real and Foothill Expressway. At this location, Arastradero Road has four traffic
lanes, an eastbound bicycle lane with no parking permitted between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. any
day (except five minutes for commercial vehicles), and a westbound bicycle lane with
parking permitted at all times.
In the past few years, the Transportation Division has received complaints about problems
related to drivers making left turns from Arastradero Road to Donald and Terman Drives,
where there are neither left-turn lanes nor left-turn signals. Staff reviewed the accident
history and found that a substantial number of accidents related to left-turn movements have
occurred at this intersection since ! 985. Twenty accidents occurred directly between left-
turners and opposing through drivers where there are infrequent and/or inadequate gaps of
heavy peak period through traffic. An additional eight rear-end accidents occurred due to the
interaction between inattentive drivers and drivers stopped in the inside through lanes to
make left turns.
In 1997, the Mid-Peninsula Jewish Community Day School applied to the City to move and
expand its school (currently located on the Terman site) to a new location adjacent to the
Terman site. The Transportation Division and the project applicant looked at various
driveway options for the new school, and agreed that the best access would be via the
existing Terman Drive intersection. Because the expanded school will substantially increase
existing left-turning traffic, the City required the applicant to fund its proportional share of
the left,turn improvements which will be constructed by the City.
DISCUSSION
The existing traffic and bicycle lanes on Arastradero Road are already as narrow as possible,
so the additional width for the left.-turn pockets must be obtained by removing parking on the
east and west sides of Arastradero. As shown in Exhibit.A of the attached resolution, the
length of the new No Parking area will be 300 feet to the east of the easterly crosswalk; and
200 feet to the West of the westerly crosswalk (the distances are proportional to the number
of projected left turning vehicles). This parking removal will affect six residences--five on
the north side of Arastradero and one on the south side of Arastradero. All six residences are
corner properties and have frontages on side streets. Bus ~tops are located on Arastradero
CMR:375:99 Page 2 of 4
Road at this intersection. The addition of the left-turn lanes wil! result in five-foot-wide bike..
lanes in which buses will stop, with the bus blocking part of the outside through-traffic lane.
This situation is unavoidable and is present in other locations in the City, including other
locations on Arastradero Road. In addition to the signing and restriping work that will be
needed to add the turn pockets, the width of the gutters on the north and south sides of
Arastradero must be reduced by one foot each in order to provide the minimum acceptable
width for the bike lanes. All curb, gutter, signing, striping, and sisal work will be performed
by the City.
Staff sent a letter to residents living along the affected portion of Arastradero Road and to
residents of Donald and Terman Drives, explaining the project and its impacts and notifying
them of the October 4 City Council meeting. Staff also sent copies of this staff report to the
six households fronting on Arastradero Road. Staff has heard from three of the notified
households (the single affected household on the south side of Arastradero was not notified
of the proposed change in time to have any potential response included in this staff report).
One resident of Donald Drive is concerned about increased traffic on her street that is already
occurring. The other two residents on Arastradero Road nearest t.he intersection are
concerned that narrowing the bike/parking lane on the north side of Arastradero will bring
traffic closer to their homes, thereby increasing noise and making it harder than it already is
to enter and exit their driveways. Left-turn driveway access may also be more difficult for
these two households because .these residents will have to turn across the new left-turn lane
which may have more vehicles queued up than currently is the case. At least one of these
residents is also concerned that parking may be more difficult because spill-over parkers
from the Terman Communib, Center already use the north side of Arastradero Road and
Donald Drive. When parking is removed from the north side of Arastradero, some of these
parkers may move to Donald Drive or one of the other side streets, which are als0 the only
locations where residents of the six directly-affected households will be able to park (other
than their own driveways or garages). One of the concerned residents has a driveway that is
too short for parking without blocking the sidewalk.
Staff has already received a complaint about the increased back-up of traffic entering Terman
Drive ~s a result of the recent opening of the new school. Staff believes that installation of
left-turn pockets and signal arrows is essential to avoid increased safety problems that could
result from the added traffic now using Terman Drive.
RESOURCE IMPACT
The estimated cost of the signal modifications is $65,000, plus $25,000 for the gutter,
signing, and restriping work, for a total of $90,000. As a condition of project ap’provaL the
Jewish Community Day School will reimburse the City up to $20,300. The signal
modifications are budgeted in the Electric Fund. The gutter, signing, and striping work will
be implemented as part of the Cib~’s annual resurfacing project, funded by existing Street
Improvement fund monies.
CMR:375:99 Page 3 of 4
POLICY IMPLICATIONS
This project is consistent with Comprehensive Plan Policies T-28 and T-39:
Policy T-28." Make effective use of the traffic~carrying ability of Palo Alto’s
major street network without compromising the needs of pedestrians and
bicyclists also using this network.
Policy T-39: To the extent allowed by law, continue to make safety the first
priority of citywide transportation planning. Prioritize pedestrian, bicycle, and
automobile safety over vehicle level-of-service at intersections.
TIMELINE
Left-turn pockets will be installed this fall, and leti-turn signals will follow as soon,thereafter
as possible.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
This project is categorically exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act
("CEQA") under Section 15301 of the CEQA guidelines (minor alterations to existing
facilities).
ATTACHMENTS
A. Resolution Approving No Parking Zones on Arastradero Road.and Exhibit A
PREPARED BY: Carl Stoffel, Transportation Engineer
O. EDWAR_I~ :~A’~
Director of Planning and
Community Environment
CITY MANAGER APPROVAL:
)N
Assistant City Manager
Arastradero Road residents
Mid-Peninsula Jewish Community Day School
Jewish Community Center
Palo Alto Housing Corporation -
Terman Library
Barron Park Neighborhood Association
Greenacres I and II Neighborhood Associations
Friends of the Palo Alto Library
CMR:375:99 Page 4 of 4
o
0
ATTACHMENT C