Upcoming City Council Meeting 2.2.21

 There are a few significant items for the next upcoming meeting.

• We will be starting the meeting early at 6pm to interview candidates for an open spot on the Planning Commission.
• We will be holding a hearing to consider the Diablo meadows development which consists of eighteen residential units near the end of Mitchell Canyon Rd
• We will receive, review, and approve the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR) for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2020

If you have any questions or thoughts on these items, please let me know.

1.19.21 Meeting Summary

At tonight's meeting there was one significant item on the agenda and that was what actions to take regarding pedestrian and traffic safety at Kelok Way.  There were a number of items discussed as I wrote about last week.  In addition, Police Chief Warren also mentioned two additional suggestions to consider including a Mosquito unit which acts a sonic repellant broadcasting a high pitched noise at a frequency only younger folks could hear.  The other item was a motion activated light that would illuminate the area if movement was detected.

One thing that did appear to be having an impact is making the entire area red zone no parking.  As a result of this, police have been able to issue 40+ citations the month or so since the curb was painted.  Police have to prioritize their activity so they aren't able to respond to calls right away all the time.  Hopefully over time making the area no parking will have the effect of reducing traffic to the end of Kelok Way. 

There was an ad hoc Public Safety Subcommittee meeting held to discuss this matter as well, but that was a few months ago and it appeared that not all interested parties were able to participate.  As such, the Council sent the matter back to the Public Safety Subcommittee to discuss with residents further and report back on recommendations.  When that is scheduled it will be communicated out so that all who are interested in participating will be able to do so.

Upcoming Council Meeting 1.19.21

 There is one significant item on the agenda the next meeting and that is to discuss traffic and pedestrian safety around Kelok Way.  Recently there was a vehicle vs. pedestrian accident and there have long been concerns from residents in the area regarding vehicle speeds and inappropriate conduct at the top of Kelok Way that impact quality of life and overall safety.

The staff report discusses 11potential items for discussion:

1. A fence to lower the the draw to the area as a view spot
2. Continue with the red painted curb to dissuade parking at the location in question
3. Install physical barricades to prevent vehicles from gathering in the location in question
4. Install speed bumps along Keller Ridge and Kelok Way to discourage excessive speed
5. Install speed limit radar feedback signs
6. Install flashing stop signs where stop signs already exist
7. A permit parking program on Kelok Way
8. A gate on Keller Ridge Dr to restrict access
9. An ordinance prohibiting loitering
10. Radar speed cameras similar to red light cameras to issue citations
11. Surveillance and/or license plate readers

Staff was neutral on items 1-6, and would not recommend options 7-11.  Each may be discussed at the next council meeting.

If you have questions or thoughts on any of the above, please let me know.

1.5.21 Meeting Summary

Last night there were two significant actions taken.  The first was whether to send a letter I had drafted regarding RHNA overestimation.  Based on evidence documented by the Embarcadero Group and Freddie Mac, it appears that there were significant deficiencies in the methodology used to determine the housing allocation figures across the state.  The result is that the allocation to the Bay Area is likely significantly greater than is supportable.  This letter is to express concern regarding the housing figure, and to ask that HCD reconsider the number of housing units allocated in light of the new evidence.

This is part of a larger effort by many local cities and regional bodies who are taking similar action.  The hope is to contribute to that effort and lend our support as a city.

After discussion, there were some minor wordsmithing updates made and a change to specifically direct the letter to HCD, while copying other agencies including ABAG and the Contra Costa County Mayors' Conference.  We unanimously agreed to send this letter.

The second item we took action on what Councilmember Cloven's request to get more information on new housing legislation.  Staff offered two possible courses of action - Either staff could spend time assembling information, or we could engage an outside consultant to provide such services.  Councilmember Cloven clarified his request with more specificity and asked to table the matter based on the refined request.