Transportation Action Team for the Monument Corridor in Concord, CA

January 19 Meeting Minutes

2012-01-26T19:37:00.000-08:00

TRANSPORTATION ACTION TEAM MEETING MINUTES

Meeting Date: January 19, 2012
7:00pm
Keller House

Chair: Bruce Lyon

WELCOME: Dave Pitman, Wes Laubscher, Mary Lou Laubscher, Bruce Lyon, andHarold Blair

ANOUNCEMENTS:
Bay Area One Plan meeting Monday January 23, 2012 from 5:45 - 8 p.m. at the Richmond Convention Center, 403 Civic Center Plaza, Richmond, CA

Contra Costa County Clean Water Parcel Tax Public Hearing Tuesday February 7, 2012 10:00am Board of Supervisors Chambers, Room 107, 651 Pine Street, Martinez California

COMMUNITY REPORTS:

TRANSIT TO TRAILS:
Dave Pitman reported that he attended a meeting with the Spare the Air Resource Team to work on a health oriented project. Stephanie Andersen facilitated the event and they discussed various projects like Transit Buddy, Anti idling (vehicles), Walking Wednesday, Carpool Events and Transit to Trails. The projects were focused toward various segments of the community like Schools and General Public. The committee voted to work on two projects, Transit to Trails with a local focus and an anti idling campaign focused toward schools. Some ideas that Dave shared for a Transit to Trail plan included a web site with maps depicting various walking excursions coordinated with bus and transit schedules. Participants including senior groups for instance could take a bus from their neighborhood to the trail head, go on the walk that could last up to an hour and a half and board a bus at the end of the trail with their bus transfer for the ride home. Dave shared a spread sheet that took into consideration the length of the trail and the speed of the participant, to facilitate the connection. The path displayed connected the Contra Costa Canal Trail and Shared Use Trail from San Miguel / Treat bus stop to the Mohr Lane / Del Rio circle bus stop. This fascinating project would allow community groups like seniors to board the bus, walk the trail to the next bus that could deliver them back to their neighborhood. Information could be added that would indicate the difficulty level, surface conditions etc.. Mary Lou suggested that Transit to Trails could show connections from various transit pickup points to City Parks like the Markham Nature Park and Arboretum, which would be enjoyable destinations for seniors.

WALKABILITY:
Mary Lou reported on an article titled What Neighborhoods Need to Succeed at Walkability.
http://www.theatlanticcities.com/commute/2012/01/what-neighborhoods-need-succeed-walkability/922/
The article mentions the idea that "residents of neighborhoods with a central core of shops and services- a pattern found in older, traditional communities walk nearly three times more of the than do residents of neighborhoods whose nearest shops and services lie along a major arterial roadway, a pattern typically found in newer suburban development." The shared use trail is an example of a community trail improvement that will certainly provide improved walk ability to our cities central core of shops and services.

COMMUNITY CLEAN WATER INITIATIVE:
Bruce reported on a proposed County Parcel Tax of $22.00 per parcel which would support the Contra Costa Clean Water Program and their proposed 2012 Community Clean Water Initiative. The web address ishttp://www.cccleanwater.org/ A link to an educational video that describes water quality problems and proposed solutions to water pollution is http://www.waterboards.ca.gov/stormfilm/slow_the_flow.shtml

Since the parcel tax must be spent in the same community, the parcel tax could provide grants for community projects, like a community garden, that would demonstrate native landscaping, bio swales, and have educational elements to encourage individual water quality projects. The idea is to reduce water pollution caused by flooding by increasing pervious surface areas. Replacing concrete driveways with pervious concrete or pervious pavers, collecting rain water from downspouts, and replacing lawns with native landscaping utilizing mulch, are encouraged by clean water advocates to "slow the flow". We are interested to see what specific projects that the County is planning.

NEXT STEPS:
Invite Jeff Rogers to our next meeting to report on updated to the progress of the Shared Use Trail. Keep Ray Kuzbari informed of our activities and ask him to report to our group on input from the City of Concord.

Ask Jeff or Ray if the Police Department has weighed in on the Shared Use Trail. We are interested to see if trail markers would allow users to identify their location if they are in need of Police, or Ambulance services, and to see if the existing Bollards that currently block emergency access will be replaced with a suitable gate or specialized bollard.

NEXT MEETING: February 23rd 2012

NEXT AGENDA: Seniors driving.

POSITIVES: Good meeting because much information was shared about the Transit to Trails project and the environment.

THINGS TO CHANGE: Improve the meeting to keep from going over time, and encourage more concerned residents to attend the meeting.

Bruce Lyon
blyon@pacbell.net

December 1 2011 Meeting Minutes

2012-01-11T15:08:00.000-08:00

TRANSPORTATION ACTION TEAM MEETING MINUTES

December 1, 2011
7:00pm
Keller House
Facilitator: Bruce Lyon

WELCOME:
Wes Laubscher, Mary Lou Laubscher, Bruce Lyon, and Dave Pitman

ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Dave referred us to the Metropolitan Transportation Commission web site, under Services, Arterial Operations for information on The purpose of the Program for Arterial System Synchronization (PASS) is to provide technical and financial assistance to Bay Area agencies to help improve the safe and efficient operation of certain traffic signal systems and corridors.http://www.mtc.ca.gov/services/arterial_operations/
And the MUTCD, the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices
http://mutcd.fhwa.dot.gov/ for information on the MUTCD which defines the standards used by road managers nationwide to install and maintain traffic control devices on all public streets, highways, bikeways, and private roads open to public traffic.
Transform is promoting support of Senator Boxer’s bill to promote Complete Streets pedestrian and bicycle improvements into the Federal Budget.
Future meetings, One Bay Area Plan workshop to be announced with clearly defined scenarios for the regional plan to be held at the Richmond Convention Center.

COMMUNITY REPORTS:
Wes, advocating for seniors who live in the Monument area who need meeting space, there is a need for multiple group gathering places throughout the Monument located so that people with transportation limitations can walk to the meeting spaces.
Dave, reported on the Clipper Card, that by the end of this December that BART Discounts for Youth and Senior’s will only be available on Clipper Cards. Clipper Cards are available at California Check Cashing at Park and Shop on Willow Pass Rd. in Concord, and Walgreens on Clayton Road, Concord, CA.

NEXT STEPS:

Check with Jeff Rogers, Associate Civil Engineer, about the status of the City obtaining a grant from California Parks to support the proposed Shared Use Trail improvements near the Iron Horse Trail. The linear park aspect of the proposed Shared Use Trail qualifies for a park grant.
Check with County Connection on progress and timeline in adopting the Clipper Card.
Work with Transportation Action Team (TAT) to create guidelines to support the incorporation of Transportation and Health into elements of the General Plan in an effort to help the City comply with the incorporation of Complete Streets into the City General Plan.

NEXT MEETING: Thursday Jan 19, 2012

POSITIVES: Good meeting because Dave is organized with information in his note book.
THINGS TO CHANGE: Encourage more interested residents of the Monument to bring their transportations issues and participate in TAT meetings.

Bruce Lyon
blyon@pacbell.net

CCTA Citizens Advisory Committee Sept 28, 2011

2011-09-30T11:02:00.000-07:00

At the committee meeting, Peter Engel, Program Manager, CCTA provided a briefing on Transportation Programs for Seniors, which vary considerably from city to city. The City of Concord does not have such a program.

Elaine Welch also presented information on the transportation options for seniors (see the pyramid chart) which range from independence (drives self) to complete dependence (volunteer driver programs). Her agency, Senior Helpline Services offers free one-on-one, door-through-door rides provided by volunteer drivers. These rides are for obtaining medical care, groceries, and other basic necessities. She asks for more people to volunteer to drive since she now has a waiting list.

August 25 Meeting Minutes

2011-09-30T10:32:00.000-07:00

TRANSPORTATION ACTION TEAM MEETING MINUTES

August 25, 2011
7:00pm
Keller House
Chair: Bruce Lyon

WELCOME:

Dave Pitman, Wes Laubscher, Mary Lou Laubscher, Bruce Lyon, Kathy Renfrow
Jeff Rogers with the City of Concord Engineering Dept.

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

Queen of all Saints Festival, Sunday, August 28, 2011

St. Francis Festival, Sunday Sept. 11, 2011

Monument Health Fair at Meadow Homes Park on October 1, 2011

PEHAB meeting Wednesday, Sept. 1, 2011

CCTA will have a hearing on Wednesday, Sept 28 at 6:00 at 2999 Oak Road Pleasant Hill on senior transportation at the CCTA. Many seniors, concerned about senior transportation options, are expected to come to the meeting. Brad Bick senior link for Para transit advisory group and Elaine Welch is also presenting.

Mary Lou is meeting with Jim Smith East Bay Air Quality District. 29th of Sept at 2:00pm at the Keller house, for those people who are interested in Air pollution. Concord is one of the 10 most polluted area in the county. People could come and speak out about air pollution. The bay area air quality management district has a grant for trees that promote improved air quality, and perhaps that grant would be suitable to pay for the proposed trees on the shared use trail.

Mary Lou shared several news stories related to Complete Streets: Bay Area News Group, Sunday July 17, 2011, “Aging Boomers Strain cities built for the young.” Bay Area News Group, Sunday August 14, 2011, “Cycling sense is best defense.” Bay Area News Group, “Redrawing the road, Lanes get thinner to make room for non-motorists”

Bike repair shop: Community group who did bike repair and bike loan grew to 3 days a week. 100 repaired bikes for people going to work or going to school.

COMMUNITY REPORTS:

Kathy Renfrow reported on the HEAL and HOPE grants:
HEAL Grant: 3 year grant started July 1, 2011 $1,000,000 along the Monument incorporating Cambridge Elementary and Meadow Homes Elementary, increase consumption of fruits and vegetables, reduce diabetes, reduce caloric intake promote physical activity in institutional and throughout the community. The program requires documented outcomes. HEAL promotes Nutrition Classes, Healthy and active zero through five.
HOPE Grant: HOPE Campaign started with Gender Respect working to eliminate domestic violence against women. A group is trying to get 10000 Signatures to get people to commit to promoting gender respect program. Safe family zone. Teenage boys to go door to door to promote gender respect.

Dave Pitman reported on a Neighborhood meeting that took place, Monday August 22, 2011 at senior multifamily building near Todos Santos Park regarding a proposed smoking ban. The multifamily building is non smoking. People were concerned that their right to smoke is being taken away. The park is non smoking by administration but a non smoking area along the sidewalk requires an ordinance and lengthy approval process. E-cigarettes are proposed to be banned. The lawyer speaking at the meeting said that the government has the right to protect public health.

SHARED USE TRAIL UPDATE:

Jeff Rogers, P.E. City of Concord Engineering Dept. reported on the status of the Shared Use Trail.
The engineering plans and specifications by Nolte is 60% complete and the state and county approval process continues.
Preliminary plans and specifications have been prepared and reviewed by the City. Nolte Vertical Five is currently incorporating the City comments on this submittal for the next submittal in September.
Environmental: A biological report has been prepared and approved by Caltrans. An archeological report was also prepared and Caltrans review/approval of the document is expected soon. The City's other consultant (Geocon) is currently testing for metals in the old railroad right of way. We are on schedule to incorporate the results of these efforts in the final plans and specifications and environmental document this fall.
The project plans and specifications and environmental documents will then be submitted to Caltrans for final approval in early 2012 (required due to the federal and state grant funding of the project). Construction is scheduled for completion in late 2012.
Jeff reported on technical requirements.
Mary Lou asked for a detention area or pond 72 hour dissipation. Aerated lakes add cost because of pumps for aeration. Two (2) Call boxes are incorporated in the design.
State environmental process is ongoing.
City is submitting plans for a new grant to support the project again.
City departments are working together to solve the bollard puzzle.

NEXT STEPS:

Invite Ray Kuzbary to our next meeting to report on updated to the Master Trails Plan and update the TAT on the approval process of the Shared Use Trail.

NEXT MEETING: Sept 22, 2011

NEXT AGENDA: Seniors driving.

POSITIVES: Good meeting because the city has been working on the shared use trail and has made much progress in the approval process.

THINGS TO CHANGE: need more concerned residents at the meeting.

Bruce Lyon
blyon@pacbell.net

Redrawing the road

2011-07-30T14:18:00.000-07:00

Article in Contra Costa Times on July 30: "Street designs aim to keep cyclists, pedestrians safe, encourage car alternatives", by Gary Richards

April 28 Meeting Minutes

2011-06-10T14:46:00.000-07:00

TRANSPORTATION ACTION TEAM
Meeting Minutes

Date: April 28, 2011
Time: 7:00 PM
Place: Keller House, 1760 Clayton Road, Concord, CA 94520
Facilitator: Mary Lou Laubscher
Co: Facilitator Bruce Lyon

Members Present: Dave Pitman, Mary Lou Laubscher, Wes Laubscher, Bruce Lyon, Lindsay Emi, Urban Habitat of Alameda County, Susan Lawson, and Sally Smith, Mike Van Hofuegen, Executive Director of the Michael Chavez Center, Eric Anya

Introductions:
We were asked to introduce our selves and tell what current form of transportation that we currently use and what future form of transportation that we aspire to use.

Members present, Current transportation, Future Transportation
*Wes Laubscher, Drives a car ,Bike & walk
*Lindsay, Bicycle and bus, Live close to work and walk
*Susan, Car, para transit
*Sally, Car, para transit
*Dave Pitman, Drives, para transit
*Bruce, Commuter personal type public transportation with personal vehicle

*Mike Hofwegen, Driver, Bike & Walk
*Eric Anya, Bike & Walk, Bike & walk

* Mary Lou, Drive, Door to Door Para transit

PRESENTATION: by Lindsay, from Urban Habitat of Alameda County
Lindsay talked about the Metropolitan Transportation Planning project called One Bay Area it is designed One Bay Area Plan to incorporate land use, decrease green house gas emissions and vehicle miles traveled.

The One Bay Area Plan will add 200 billion Dollars 25 year transportation plan to maintain and operate the nine-county region transportation network.

Goals of the One Bay Area Plan

* Reduce air pollution, improve health, reduce Green House Gas emissions.
* Provide Equitable access for transportation
* Provide Open space and Agricultural Preservation:
* 100% of proposed housing to be located within the region.
* Plan to be Updated every three to four years.
* Ami Worth from City council from Orinda our MTC representative for MTC (MTC is 9 county region)
* SB375 Senate Bill Green House Grass (GHG)reduction.
Priority Development Areas "PDA" estimates 40% growth in Contra Costa County 42%. In Concord 19,000 households to be added by 2035
Future housing growth will match jobs with housing near existing transit,
Future housing growth is expected along, Clayton Road and Monument Blvd.

Some concerns from members present is that the high cost of new housing is expected to displace the existing low income residents and there are health concerns and cancer risks associated with locating housing in close proximity to emitter sources like freeways.

Lindsay reported that:

Transportation cost is high for low income, the second highest cost in family
budgets.
Living near Public transit will reduce the cost by half.

FUTURE EVENTS:

July 2011 MTC develops a few different RTP (Regional Transportation package) of projects for review.

Sept. Oct 2011 Discussion of the pros cons of the alternatives.

COMMUNITY REPORTS:
Dave, Bruce and Mary Lou gave reports on the meetings they attended:

4-8 CCTA hearing with non-governmental agencies
4-12 Concord City Council Meeting. Monument Corridor Shared Use Trail: City hired an engineering company of Nolte Associates in Walnut Creek to design both projects, have statement of work; Trail slated to be finished in 2012. Monument Blvd Pedestrian Improvments: Extension of contract for inspection approved; City Council will final the approval of the construction project.
4-20 CCTA forum Regional transportation plan
4-21 TANSPAC Hearing on Regional Transportation Plan
4-25 Senior Mobility Action Council
4-27 CCTA advisory committee measure J transportation for livable communities, pedestrian Bicycle and trail facilities, MTC safe routes to school.

BART mobile seating lab, is coming to the Keller house so residents can try out new types of seats and give their opinions.

No TAT meeting in May

May 18 MTC forum meeting at Cambridge Elementary. Everyone try to attend.

ADJORNMENT: 9:00

Next Meeting

June 23, 7 p.m. at Keller House

El proyecto del Monument Boulevard

2011-06-03T12:15:00.000-07:00

Concord City News
Verano 2011

El proyecto del Monument Boulevard mejora el acceso peatonal y agrega carriles para bicicletas

Un proyecto de varios años para mejorar el acceso peatonal en la zona del Monument Boulevard de la ciudad está completo. Las mejoras en la Infraestructura Peatonal del Monument Corridor permitirán un acceso más fácil al BART, centros comerciales y zonas residenciales a lo largo de Monument Boulevard desde Carey Drive hasta Meadow Lane/Oak Grove Road, y en Meadow Lane desde el Monument Boulevard hasta Sunshine Drive.

El proyecto incluye la construcción de mejoras ADA (Acta de Americanos con Discapacidades), tales como rampas y señales auditivas de conteo para peatones, ampliación de las aceras existentes, construcción de cruces de peatones de hormigón de color en varias intersecciones así como la instalación de luces en las vías ya nivel de los peatones en porciones del Monument Boulevard. Asimismo, se han instalado carriles para las bicicletas en Meadow Lane, y un nuevo semáforo que se ha ubicado en la intersección de Robin Lane y Meadow Lane.

El proyecto fue financiado con una subvención de $1.2 millones de dólares del Programa de Transporte Terrestre, otra subvención de $300,000 dólares del Acta de Recuperación y Reinversión y los fondos de la Agencia de Redesarrollo.

Las mejoras se hicieron en respuesta a las principales preocupaciones relacionadas con la infraestructura planteada antes y durante el proceso de promoción del Plan de Transporte de la Comunidad del Monument Corridor, que se llevó a cabo en el 2005. La mayoría de las actividades de promoción se llevaron a cabo por el Monument Community Partnership (MCP), una colaboración sin fines de lucro compuesta de residentes y organizaciones de servicio social cuya misión es mejorar la salud y la seguridad de los residentes de Monument.

El promedio de participación de la comunidad fue elevado durante el proceso de promoción, el cual incluyó reuniones con los miembros comunitarios, dos reunions de la comunidad, encuestas y entrevistas con miembros comunitarios. La agencia de transporte local (County Connection) y otros miembros claves en la comunidad, tales como organizaciones de servicio social y la Coalición de Transporte y Uso del Terreno participaron en el proceso. MCP ha participado activamente en la identificación de las barreras del transporte en el curso de muchas reuniones de vecinos.

A través del proceso, la comunidad expresó la necesidad de aceras o banquetas más amplias y seguras, vías para bicicletas, y mejoras en la seguridad del Monument Boulevard y Meadow Lane/Oak Grove Road. El Monument Corridor tiene un número elevado de peatones, ciclistas, y madres con sus carriolas o coches para bebés que usan las aceras para sus paseos. El número de viviendas en el Monument Corridor sin acceso a un vehículo es del 18 por ciento, lo que es tres veces el promedio en todo el condado.

Aunque las principales líneas de autobuses sirven a Monument Boulevard y Meadow Lane, la asequibilidad, la frecuencia del servicio y la falta de transferencias convenientes se encuentran entre los principales obstáculos que impiden a muchos residentes del Monument Corridor el utilizar el servicio. Para los que no tienen vehículos, las principales alternativas al uso del autobús son el caminar y andar en bicicleta, que ahora se puede hacer de forma más segura gracias a la reaJización de este proyecto.

La intersección de Meadow Lane y Robin Lane tiene ahora un nuevo semdforo, así una banqueta adecuada para ayudar a los residentes con discapacidad, un carril para bicicletas y aceras más anchas

Monument Boulevard Project

2011-06-03T12:06:00.000-07:00

Concord City News
Summer 2011

Monument Boulevard project improves pedestrian access, adds bike lanes

A multi-year project to improve pedestrian access in the city's Monument Boulevard area is substantially complete. The Monument Corridor Pedestrian Infrastructure Improvements will allow easier access to BART, commercial centers and residential areas along Monument Boulevard from Carey Drive to Meadow Lane/Oak Grove Road, and on Meadow Lane from Monument Boulevard to Sunshine Drive.

The project includes constructing ADA improvements, such as curb ramps and pedestrian count-down signal heads, widening existing sidewalks, constructing colored concrete crosswalks at various intersections and installing roadway and pedestrian-level lights on portions of Monument Boulevard. In addition, bike lanes have been installed on Meadow Lane, and a traffic signal now stands at the intersection of Robin Lane and Meadow Lane.

The project was funded with a $1.2 million Surface Transportation Program grant, a $300,000 American Recovery and Reinvestment Act grant, and Redevelopment Agency funds.

The improvements were made in response to top infrastructure-related concerns raised before and during the Monument Corridor's Community Based Transportation Plan outreach process, which was conducted in 2005. Most outreach activities were conducted by the Monument Community Partnership (MCP), a non-profit collaboration of residents and social service organizations whose mission is to improve the health and safety of Monument residents.

Community participation rates were high during the outreach process, which included stakeholder meetings, two community meetings, surveys, and stakeholder interviews. The local transit agency (County Connection) and other stakeholders, such as social service organizations and the Transportation and Land Use Coalition, participated in the process. MCP was actively involved in identifying transportation barriers in the course of many neighborhood meetings.

Through the process, the community expressed a need for wider and safer sidewalks, bike routes, and safety improvements at Monument Boulevard and Meadow Lane/Oak Grove Road. The Monument Corridor has a high number of pedestrians, bicycle riders, and baby strollers using the sidewalk for travel. The number of households in the Monument Corridor without access to a vehicle is 18 percent, which is three times the county-wide average.

Although major bus lines serve Monument Boulevard and Meadow Lane, affordability, frequency of service, and lack of convenient transfers are among the major obstacles that prevent many Monument Corridor residents from using the service. For those without vehicles, the main alternatives to using the bus are walking and bicycling, which can now be done more safely thanks to the completion of this project.

The intersection of Meadow Lane and Robin Lane now has a new traffic light, as well as curb cuts to assist disabled residents, a bike lane and wider sidewalks

Help Shape the Future - Plan Bay Area

2011-05-03T17:43:00.000-07:00

Come be heard and voice your opinion about Plan Bay Area - the region's sustainable communities strategy and plan for transportation and future regional development. Plan Bay Area focuses on improving the quality of life for Bay Area residents by providing cleaner air, improved public health, and better mobility.

Event sponsored by MCP in partnership with the Metropolitan Transportation Commission and Association of Bay Area Governments.

Where: Cambridge Elementary Multi-Purpose Room

1135 Lacey Lane, Concord 94520

When: Wednesday May 18th, 6:00-8:30 pm

Child care, translation, and refreshments provided

The big push to gather public input on Plan Bay Area includes an online tool called YouChoose Bay Area.

April Dates to Save

2011-04-01T13:13:00.000-07:00

Monument Community Partnership

Transportation Action Team

Save the Dates

Contra Costa Transportation Authority Public Hearings on Deciding which Major Transportation Projects are most important for Contra Costa

Wednesday, April 20, 2011, 6 p.m.
CCTA Offices 2999 Oak Street, Suite 100, Walnut Creek

or

Thursday April 21, 2011, 9 a.m. City of Pleasant Hill
Community Room, 100 Gregory Lane, Pleasant Hill

------------------------

Monument Community Partnership Transportation Action Team Meeting

Rescheduled! Thursday, April 28, 2011, 7 p.m. Keller House
1760 Clayton Rd., Concord

Discussion of CCTA Public Hearings and Planning for the Metropolitan Transportation Forum MCP is sponsoring on May 18

February 17 Agenda

2011-02-15T11:36:00.000-08:00

Reminder

Monument Community Partnership

Transportation Action

Team Meeting

Thursday February 17, 2011

7 p.m.

Keller House

1760 Clayton Rd.

Concord

Agenda

Plans for a Bike Repair Program

By G.G.I Students

Eric, Giavanni, and Octavio

and

A Report and Proposal on

Transportation Elements in Monument Redesign Project

By Eric Anaya, City Planner

Updates on: Monument Bikeway Network, SCUFI Project, Iron Horse Corridor Committee Meeting, Proposed Monument Walkability Study and Action Team Goals for 2011

Bikeway Improvements on San Miguel Road

2011-01-19T17:36:00.000-08:00

The City Council will consider approving Project No. 2194, FY 2011-12 Citywide Bikeway Improvements at the January 25 Council Meeting.

Come to the Transportation Action Team Meeting Thursday, January 20, 2011, 7 p.m. at the Keller House, 1760 Clayton Rd.

Our guest speaker will be Ray Kuzbari, Concord Transportation Mgr., who will report on the plans for new Monument Bike Trail Extensions and the status of Monument Blvd. Improvements.

Novemebr 18 Meeting

2010-11-28T21:53:00.000-08:00

Monument Community Partnership

TRANSPORTATION ACTION TEAM

Meeting Minutes

Date: November 18, 2010
Time: 7:00 pm
Place: Keller House, 1760 Clayton Road, Concord, CA 94520
Facilitator: Mary Lou Laubscher

WELCOME: ROLL CALL: Eric Anaya, Stan Hansen, Dave Pitman, Mary Lou Laubscher, Wes Laubscher, Luz Palomera - Sierra, Catalina Wright,

Announcements
* Our Park Trail Grant from State Park Funding was not approved, however the trail in a reduced form will still be built. Jeff Rogers, City engineer will resubmit the park grant proposal and to different funders.
* Keller House will be closed for holidays December 24th through January 4th, 2011.
* MCP Posada Celebration - December 18, 6:30 p.m., Frisbie Ct. Concord.
* Great safety improvements being completed on both Monument Blvd. and Clayton Rd.
* Kingdom Riders Motorcycle Group are interested in volunteering with MCP.
* Concord Police Department Traffic Bureau has been recognized for its traffic safety program by the California Office of Traffic Safety. It is one of 10 in the State so honored.
* The Iron Horse Corridor Commission Hearing on MCP "Buldge Garden" Project will be held February 2, 2011 at 4:30 p.m. at the Community Room at Brookview Park, 2100 Monument Blvd.
* The Housing Element Report of Concord's General Plan was approved by on the Council on November 16th. It includes progressive transportation elements.

Report from Ray Kuzbari, Concord Transportation Manager

Status Update on Phase 1 and 2 Trail Projects from Monument Blvd. to Market Street
* Anticipate starting design on both projects by January 2011 which will probably take 3 to 6 months to complete.
* Construction on both projects is anticipated to occur in 2012.

Monument Blvd. Corridor Streetscape Urban Design Study and Design Guidelines
* A traffic analysis is currently underway by a consultant to address the issues that came up during the July 2009 City Council study session.
* Not sure how soon the analysis will be completed, Staff doing all we can given our limited staffing resources.

Ray is interested in MCP plans for a replacement vehicle and will talk with Bryan Balch, our Executive Director.

Dave Pitman Report

Dave requests each member of TAT send an E-Mail to Senator Barbara Boxer urging her to lead the way in making roads safe for all users (Complete Streets).

Pedestrian facilities during the hour around sunset can as much as quadruple from normal rates during the weeks after Daylight savings time in the fall.

It's high time for a "complete streets" policy that ensures safe road access for everyone - including pedestrians, bicyclists, wheelchair users, and others. Congress can make complete streets part of the new federal transportation bill, which would be a huge step towards making our roads safe all year!

The group empowered Dave to write a letter to Barbara Boxer in our name regarding timely legislation for Complete Streets.

Group Discussion on Encouraging more bike riding

Do a local survey on bike riding, bike trails, bike routes.
Evaluate routes for safety.
See if there is an interest in establishing a local bike shop
See if there is interest in a regular bike repair day for kids in area
Hold a bicycle forum
Explore Lesher Grant feasibility

Discussion on SCUFI, Sustainable Commercial Urban Farm Incubator: SCUFI offers training for Concord residents in planning and operating an urban farm. It will bring healthy food choices to the community and support other related businesses. Monument residents would eat healthier because of the fresh produce produced nearby. Sign Ups for the SCUFI training which starts in January are encouraged. Call the Chavez Center.

The SCUFI BART Project:
Preliminary design has begun on two sites suitable for SCUFI projects, the 7 acre BART site between San Miguel Road and Monument Blvd. The SCUFI project at the BART site has passed BART Design Review and is ready for a meeting with the City Planners.

The Bulge Community Garden Project:
The 1.8 acre site called "The Bulge" is located at the end of Mayette Ave. near the Walnut Creek Channel on land owned by Contra Costa County. The Bulge parcel, which has an opportunity for a community garden, is included in the Counties Iron Horse Trail Improvement project. Our committee members are currently researching utility easements and other information, for the Bulge project, in preparation for a Februay 2nd. presentation to the Iron Horse Corridor Management Program Advisory Committee (IHCMPAC).

MEETING FEEDBACK:
Positive
* Dave's presentation on Complete Streets and letter to Sen. Boxer
* Eric representing bikers
* Good discussions

Could Be Improved
* More attendees
* Kingdom Riders representative needed

NEXT AGENDA:
* Evaluate TAT efforts in 2010
* Plan goals for 2011
* Monument Trail updates from Ray Kuzbari, City Transportation Manager
* Update on community funding opportunities for the Monument Trail Project.
* Invite Kathy to give update on the progress of SCUFI projects at the Bulge and on the BART site.
* MTC Public Participation Plan, How will the community become involved?

* NEXT MEETING

January 20, 2011, at the Keller House, 1760 Clayton Road, Concord, CA

Transportation Action Team Vision Statement: By the year 2015 The Monument Transportation Action Team will have planned and implemented a "local" transportation system that will serve all residents of the Monument area who need it. It will be affordable, sustainable, safe, coordinated, environmentally sound, and get riders and walkers where they need to go in a reasonable time

Complete Streets Legislation

2010-11-23T14:36:00.000-08:00

Tell Senator Boxer to make “complete streets” part of the new federal transportation bill! Senator Boxer heads the powerful Environment and Public Works Committee that is writing the federal transportation bill.

Complete Streets are needed to ensure that all users of the transportation system, including pedestrians, bicyclists, transit users, children, older individuals, and individuals with disabilities, are able to travel safely and conveniently on and across streets and highways.

October 21 Meeting

2010-11-10T12:57:00.000-08:00

Monument Community Partnership

TRANSPORTATION ACTION TEAM

Meeting Minutes

Date: Oct. 21, 2010
Time: 7:15 pm
Place: Keller House, 1760 Clayton Road, Concord, CA 94520

Facilitator: Mary Lou Laubscher
Secretary: Bruce Lyon

WELCOME: ROLL CALL: Kathy Renfrow, Dave Pitman, Mary Lou Laubscher, Wes Laubscher, Bruce Lyon, Catalina Wright, Bryan Balch, Laura Jean Pearson.

INTRODUCTIONS:
Laura Jean, a bicycle and roller blade enthusiast, joined us this meeting.
Bryan Balch joined the meeting and shared his idea for Pedi Cabs.
Dave Pitman mentioned his work to promote Bed Bug awareness on his web site.
Catalina shared a touching story about her son’s puppy.
Wes shared a story about saving a kitten.

REVIEW ITEMS:
Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety:
Laura Jean commented positively about the pedestrian and sidewalk improvements on Monument Blvd. The new color concrete sidewalks add some character to the Monument and improve the visibility of pedestrian walk ways. She also commented about her experience with pot holes and hazardous sidewalk surfaces throughout the City while roller blading. Bryan Balch mentioned that disabled persons using wheel chairs, seniors, and mothers with strollers also have difficulty with poor sidewalk surface quality. Laura also commented about the need for a sidewalk/pedestrian bicycle access across Willow Pass Road because of threatening conditions and fast traffic. Laura Jean also mentioned her Idea of a Paseo or including a special path for bicycles and pedistrians along Monument Blvd.
Pedi Cabs:
Bryan Balch indicated his support for Pedi Cabs, and a bicycle shop and related business to provide economic opportunities for residents of the Monument Corridor. Pedi cabs are three wheeled bicycles modified to accommodate passengers, or urban farm products and include advertizing that could support businesses along the monument. Drivers on their way through town would be attracted to stop at various businesses, to shop, dine out, and otherwise enjoy the character of a pedestrian friendly environment. The Pedi cabs would add to the character, offer an opportunity for photo’s and advertize local business.
Mary Lou mentioned that she envisions the Senior Action Team and other senior groups enjoying outings in the Pedi Cabs. They might also go to the Concord Senior Center for free lunches.
Kathy Renfrow commented on the amount of time and community involvement necessary to achieve improvements to pedestrian and bicycle safety. Mary Lou also suggested an idea for a community celebration to honor the effort to improve the sidewalks and bicycle pathways. Kathy also spoke about the importance of participating in the MTC Public Participation Plan because there are grant opportunities to support community involvement.
SCUFI, Sustainable Commercial Urban Farm Incubator: SCUFI offers training for Concord residents in planning and operating an urban farm. The farmers would earn enough to make a middle class living, provide healthy food choices to the community and support other related businesses. Monument residents would eat healthier because of the fresh produce produced nearby.

OTHER PROJECTS;
The Splash Park at Meadow Homes Park on Sunshine Drive: The City of Concord has prepared a Landscape Plan design for a Splash Park for youth at Meadow Homes Park.

The SCUFI BART Project:
Preliminary design has begun on two sites suitable for SCUFI projects, the 7 acre BART site between San Miguel Road and Monument Blvd. The SCUFI project at the BART site has passed BART Design Review and is ready for a meeting with the City Planners.

The Bulge Community Garden Project:
The 1.8 acre site called “The Bulge” is located at the end of Mayette Ave. near the Walnut Creek Channel on land owned by Contra Costa County. The Bulge parcel, which has an opportunity for a community garden, is included in the Counties Iron Horse Trail Improvement project. Our committee members are currently researching utility easements and other information, for the Bulge project, in preparation for a future presentation to the Iron Horse Corridor Management Program Advisory Committee (IHCMPAC).

ANNOUNCEMENTS:
The Bed Bug awareness meeting is October 28, 2010 from 6:30pm to 8:30 pm at Meadow Homes Elementary School, 1371 Detroit Ave, Concord. There will be a presentation in Spanish.

The HEAL meeting is scheduled for Friday October 22, 2010 from 3:00pm to 5:00pm

A SCUFI meeting is scheduled for Friday October 22, 2010 from 6:00pm to 8:00pm with special guest presenter James Kalin with Virtually Green. James Kalin is an expert and leader in promoting sustainable urban farming. He is the consultant for our local SCUFI trainings and gardening spaces.

MEETING FEEDBACK:
It was great to see and hear the progress on the Community Gardens Projects.

NEXT AGENDA:

Monument Trail updates from Ray Kuzbari and Jeff Rogers from the city if new information is available.
Update on community funding opportunities for the Monument Trail Project.
Update on the progress of SCUFI projects at the Bulge and on the BART site.
MTC Public Participation Plan, How will the community become involved?
Monument Blvd Urban Design Plan and Design Guidelines: Will the City move forward on the process?

NEXT MEETING:

November 18, 2010 at 7:00pm, at the Keller House, 1760 Clayton Road, Concord, CA

ADJORNMENT: 8:30 PM

Transportation Action Team Vision Statement: By the year 2015 The Monument Transportation Action Team will have planned and implemented a “local” transportation system that will serve all residents of the Monument area who need it. It will be affordable, sustainable, safe, coordinated, environmentally sound, and get riders and walkers where they need to go in a reasonable time.

September 16 Meeting

2010-10-18T17:01:00.000-07:00

Monument Community Partnership

TRANSPORTATION ACTION TEAM

Meeting Minutes

Date: Sept. 16th 2010
Time: 7:05 pm
Place: Front Porch, Keller House, 1760 Clayton Road, Concord, CA 94520

Facilitator: Mary Lou Laubscher
Secretary: Bruce Lyon

WELCOME: ROLL CALL: Dave Pitman, Mary Lou Laubscher, Wes Laubscher, Ray Kuzbari, Bruce Lyon, Eric Amaya, Catalina Wright, Jeff Smith, Dianne Slattery, Jeff Slattery

INTRODUCTIONS:
Ray Kuzbari, gifted the Transportation Action Team with a large format map of the Iron Horse trail along the Monument area of Concord. It shows the three street and trail improvements in progress or in the planning phases.

REVIEW ITEMS:
Ray Kuzbari, City of Concord Transportation Manager, reported to the Transportation Action Team the progress of two phases of improvements to the existing trail paths from Monument Blvd. to Willow Pass Road next to the Iron Horse trail.

THE TRAIL:
Phase I
Phase I trail improvements will include a 12’-0” wide paved path from Monument Blvd. to Mayette Avenue and is expected to be completed by 2011. This part of the Trail is owned by the County and includes the “Bulge”. Phase I budget is $900,000. Phase I trail improvements are not approved yet because the City needs a design consultant for the design work. The expectation is the trail improvements would be approved by the city by January 2011. Proposed gates at both ends of the trail will be incorporated to improve security.

Phase II
Phase II trail improvements will include a paved trail from Mayette Avenue to Market St. with both sides of the trail to receive Landscaping and Irrigation. Phase II budget is $675,000. The Proposed bike routes will improve pedestrian and bicycle safety. The red lines on Ray’s map show special road pavement marking demarking the bicycle lane and will improve bicycle safety.

Phase III
Phase III trail improvements will include a paved trail from Market St. to Franquette, improved lighting in the tunnel that runs beneath Highway 242, bike lane, landscaping, irrigation, and sidewalk improvements on Franquette Ave. This part of the trail is owned by the City of Concord. The long narrow parcel is located near the existing storage facility. The City is still waiting for Proposition 84 funding with an expectation that the funding will be available in November and will fund the last segment of the trail.

Bruce asked about the “ Bulge”. Ray responded that the “bulge” is located on County land and the approved budget and scope of work approved by the county only allows for the trail improvements and does not currently include a shared water meter.

A future trail extension from Willow Pass Road to Commerce Avenue called the “Commerce Avenue Extension” will extend from the terminus of Commerce Ave to Water World. The proposed extension will cross Pine Creek.

Request to Ray in designing the trails
Please leave room in the design for future community projects such as:
A nature trail
Signs showing the History of Concord
Example of drought resistant plants that do well in Concord
A recreational area

OTHER PROJECTS:
Construction of pedestrian improvements is currently underway along Monument Blvd. Ray described Class II Bike Lane and Class III Bike Route improvements for Monument Blvd.

Ray described the following terminology;
Class I Bikeway is a paved bike trail 10’-0” to 12’-0” in width.
Class II Bike Lane and sidewalk improvements .
Class III Bike Route with “Sharrows” markings signage, with 4” wide paint edge line on the street pavement. “Sharrows” are bike lanes shared with the roadway.

Monument sidewalk improvements are scheduled to be completed before the end of the September

ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Computer training classes are offered at the Michael Chavez Center. The center recently graduated over 100 persons and will be starting a new cycle. The enrollment is full and there is a waiting list for classes starting in January.

The Monument Community Partnership Health Fair will be on October 2, 2010 from 11:00 to 3:00pm.at Meadow Homes Park.

Dave announced he has expanded the Transportation Action Team Blog. He has newer maps of the Monument Trails we discussed tonight.

MEETING FEEDBACK:
People were pleased with the change in venue having the meeting outside in good weather. One of the guests brought a flashlight and used it to illuminate the map as Ray spoke. Many people came to the meeting interested in the Community Garden project and commented their support for the incorporation of a community garden project into the “bulge” in the Trail project. We welcome our new members.

ADJORNMENT: 8:15pm

NEXT MEETING:
October 21st, 2010, 7 p.m. Keller House

Vision Statement By the year 2015 The Monument Transportation Action Team will have planned and implemented a “local” transportation system that will serve all residents of the Monument area who need it. It will be affordable, sustainable, safe, coordinated, environmentally sound, and get riders where they need to go in a reasonable time

Grand opening of pedestrian overcrossing

2010-09-30T11:20:00.000-07:00

Grand opening of Iron Horse Trail Overcrossing of Treat Boulevard is on Sat. October 2, 2010 from 10 AM to 2 PM. See www.511contracosta.org for more information.

Presentation to Parks Commission

2010-09-08T22:31:00.000-07:00

At the Sep. 8 meeting of the Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Commission, Danea Gemmell, Acting City Engineer presented on the two Trail Improvements projects described elsewhere in this blog. The projects are funded, and will start this fiscal year. She is still waiting to hear about the Proposition 84 grant, and will hear if funding is granted later this fall. This grant will provide amenities for the Market Street trail site, and extend the trail to Willow Pass Road. For the Class I Bikeway, she’ll have Conservation Corps volunteers working on the trail, and security gates and dog facilities will be installed. The project design will be until June 2011, bids will go out in the summer and then construction a year from now.

Joan Carrico, Director of Community & Recreation Services told the commission “we did work with the Monument Community Partnership Transportation Advisory Committee.” “The Monument Community Partnership is very happy to see these improvements in the community.”

News on Pedestrian Infrastructure Improvements

2010-08-12T15:31:00.000-07:00

Traffic Light poles waiting to be installed at intersection of Robin and Meadow Lanes.

Article in Contra Costa Times:

Monument Corridor sidewalks getting a face-lift

By Paul Thissen

July 15, 2010 Transportation Action Team Meeting

2010-07-16T10:20:00.000-07:00

Even though the transit authority has improved bus routes that benefit seniors and people in need of traveling from the Monument Corridor to local hospitals, clinics, and health care facilities, there is still a need in the community for a replacement van for the Route 8 Shuttle. According to the Seniors Needs Assessment , Seniors are in need of transportation to many regularly scheduled events and available services. The Transportation Action Team explored ideas to develop a sustainable van route, a “Van Plan”, including the ideas of partnering with local businesses and employing trained volunteers. All aboard the Van Plan… Join us at our next meeting is Thursday, September 16, 2010, 7:00pm.

Pedestrian Infrastructure Improvement Progress

2010-07-10T23:25:00.000-07:00

Reports on June 16 BART Meeting

2010-06-26T08:55:00.000-07:00

By Bruce Lyon

At the BART outreach meeting on June 16, 2010, at El Ranchero, BART presenters solicited community input on two issues. BART suggested that $2.3 million surplus be given back to the community in some way. They asked for suggestions and the group consensus was that the money be spent to improve the cleanliness of the trains. People were concerned that a near term decrease in fares would need to be followed by a future increase in fares.

BART presenters asked the community to decide what constituted a Major Service Change. BART presenters suggested that the definition of Major Service Change would be used to define the trigger for future outreach required for fare changes or system expansion. BART collected a survey filled out by the group who came to the meeting.

The people in attendance were generally puzzled about the significance of the definition of a Major Service Change.

By Denis Cuff, Contra Costa Times

BART to spend $800,000 on public outreach to monitor fairness of service and fare decisions

BART wants to hear your ideas about how to assure that future changes to fare and service are fair and just to all. View Full Story

BART Community Meeting

2010-06-02T22:22:00.000-07:00

Wed June 16, 6:30 PM - 8 PM
El Rancho Restaurant
1450 Monument Blvd

our friend Walter seeks your input, you can influence BART's decisions!

Construction on Meadow Lane

2010-05-22T11:59:00.001-07:00

May 20 Meeting

2010-05-22T04:05:00.000-07:00

Our old friend Ray provided us an update on our projects. Construction of Pedestrian Improvements for Monument Blvd and Meadow Lane have started. The Bikeway Network will be designed in July. We'll find out if Proposition 84 funding is awarded for the Market Street trail in September. If not, "Plan B" is in the works. We thank Ray for bringing extra copies of project maps.

You can get the project details by down-loading the FY 2010-11 Proposed Capital Improvement & Transportation Improvement Program (9.5 MB, PDF). Here is a list of the Project Information Sheet pages.

Page 76, Monument Corridor Pedestrian Infrastructure Improvements, Project Number 2064

Page 83, Monument Corridor Pedestrian and Bikeway Network Improvements, Project Number 2169

Page 121, Monument Corridor Shared Use Trail Project, Project Number 2172

CCCTA Board Meeting May 20

2010-05-20T16:55:00.000-07:00

I attended this meeting.
On the agenda, first the Chair's Report:

Recognition of the Bus Ambassadors, who were awarded for their hours of service.
Employee of the Year, where our old friend Cindy was presented the "Chair's Award of Excellence 2009-2010" for her many successes. We congratulate Cindy for her many achievements. (We would like to count Route 8, even though it was for a limited time.)

Later, the O&S Committee’s Report:

Route 8 Discontinuation, where a Board member reported Route 8 didn't meet the target of 7 riders per hour, and then the motion to discontinue was put to a vote.

Come to our Meeting

2010-05-17T14:41:00.000-07:00

Monument Community Partnership
Transportation Action Team
Meeting

Thursday, May 20, 2010

7 p.m.

Keller House, 1760 Clayton Rd., Concord

Come to our Meeting and hear the presentation by Ray Kuzbari, City of Concord Transportation Manager, brings us up to date on:

· Monument Boulevard- Meadow Lane improvements under way now
· Monument Pedestrian- Bicycle Trail start up plans
· Monument Linear Park Trail Proposal status

Hopefully, Robert Barnes, Concords official appointment to the Contra Costa Transportation Advisory Committee will join us.

We will also start plan for a replacement van for the Route 8 Bus.

Hope you will join us.

Mary Lou

Two Meetings in a Row

2010-04-29T20:53:00.000-07:00

BART - Apr 28

We applaud BART for bringing to the Monument Community a summary of the Draft Public Participation Plan (PPP), even while the plan itself is still under review. Stay tuned for the released plan on the BART website.

At this Follow Up meeting, I heard discussion about how to promote BART within our community, and how to promote our community within BART.

Route 8 - Apr 29

Thanks to our old friend Cindy for having this public hearing, which was formally conducted per legal requirements.

We will have a car pool meeting at the Keller House 8:30 AM Thursday May 20 to go the County Connection Board meeting, where the fate of Route 8 will be decided.

Elimination of Route 8 - Monument Community Shuttle

2010-04-20T15:47:00.000-07:00

The CCCTA is proposing the elimination of Route 8, the Monument Community Shuttle, due to the expiration of the demonstration project grant funding this service.

At a public hearing, comments will be received from the public and reported to the Board with a staff recommendation at the May 20, 2010 CCCTA Board meeting.

The Public Hearing will be:

Thursday, April 29, 2010
6:00 PM
Keller House
1760 Clayton Road
Concord, CA 94521

BART Community Forum

2010-03-21T17:30:00.000-07:00

The Monument Community Partnership and the Bay Area Rapid Transit District on April 14 held a Community Forum on How BART Can Better Serve Residents and Businesses in our Community.

At a follow up meeting, BART will present the "Public Participation Plan" developed from input given at the recent community meetings.

The Follow Up Meeting will be:

Wednesday, April 28, 2010
6:30 PM
Cambridge Elementary School
Multi Use Room
1135 Lacey Lane, Concord

Trail Site Group Walking Tour this weekend!

2010-03-11T12:17:00.000-08:00

At the Community Gardens meeting on March 10, I presented a slide show of photos of the proposed Shared Use Trail (Market St.) site.

And anounced an upcomming walking tour of the Class I Bikeway (rail road right-of-way) from Mayette to Monument. We will meet at Mayette Ave where the two trail sites join at 2 PM on Sunday March 14. See you there!

Market Street Trail Site Tour

2010-03-01T13:10:00.000-08:00

Last Sunday the weather was great, and thanks to those who showed up for the group walking tour of the Shared Use Trail site. I have photos of the site from Mayette ave (shown here) to Willow Pass road. On the next Sunday having good weather, we'll tour the Class I Bikeway site (i.e. the rail road right-of-way from Mayette to Monument Blvd). Please check back later for announcements.

City Council, February 23

2010-02-23T14:58:00.000-08:00

The City Council will hold its Regular Meeting at 6:30 p.m. in the Concord Senior Center Wisteria Room. They will consider the Final Environmental Impact Report for the Concord Community Reuse Project (i.e. Naval Weapons Station).

The Agenda has Item 3.j added: approval of PROJECT NO. 2172, MONUMENT CORRIDOR SHARED USE TRAIL PROJECT. Please see the Staff Report because it has a map showing all current and planned Pedestrian/Bicycle Improvements in our community!

February 18 Meeting

2010-02-22T16:37:00.000-08:00

Market Street Linear Park
Jeff Rogers returns. He is working on Statewide Park Program grant application. He asked us to fill out a survey to rank importance of park features such as water fountains, emergency call boxes, etc. The listed ideas are what he has gotten from the community. He will "put an application with the best shot at getting funded", and with the "goal to give the community what they want". Jeff will finalize the application by next Thursday, so get your ideas to him by then.

Trail Site Walking Tour
Dave will lead a walking tour of the trail site on Sunday Feb. 28 at 2 PM. We'll meet where the trail crosses Mayette Ave. In case of rain, we'll reschedule the tour for Mar. 7.

January 21 Meeting

2010-02-04T19:39:00.000-08:00

Special guests were Ray Kuzbari, Transportation Manager for City of Concord and Jeff Rogers, Civil Engineer for the City of Concord. They presented an update on the Monument Corridor Pedestrian and Bikeway Network Improvements. See my previous blog entries for the map and description, and status of funding. Ray gave out copies of the map and the Shared Roadway Bicycle Marking for the Class III Bikeway (see graphic). The design is scheduled for 2010, and after securing some clearances, construction is to begin in 2012.

Jeff presented on the opportunity for grant funding to extend the Class I Bikeway from Mayette Ave. to the pedestrian tunnel under highway 242. The grant application to the 2006 Proposition 84 Statewide Park Program is due by March 1, and six months later we will know if we are funded. The city already owns the right-of-way along the storage facility and the public sidewalk on Market St. up to the tunnel. The north side of the tunnel connects to Franquette Ave and Willow Pass Road.

The grant application needs input from the community on this new linear park and new recreation opportunity. This meeting was a Community Forum on the Monument Corridor Shared Use Trail. Twenty-six attended this forum representing Health & Safety Action Team, Community Gardens Action Team, MCP Community Listeners, La Clínica Monument, and Go Get It! after school youth program. They gave their ideas and suggestion to help define the linear park's recreational use. Wes Laubscher's great suggestion was for us to go walk the trail site.

Jeff will return to the February 18 meeting and share his narrative for the grant application.

Your ideas for our new Park Trail are Needed

2010-01-18T17:29:00.000-08:00

Come to our Community Meeting

Thursday January 21, 2010
7 p.m.
Keller House, 1760 Clayton Rd., Concord

Come and see the trail plans presented by Ray Kuzbari, Concord Transportation Manager and Jeff Rogers, Concord City Engineer.

Your suggestions on what should be included in the park trail will be helpful in designing the plan.

The draft plan will be presented to the Transportation Action team before it is submitted for funding at our next meeting on February 18th.

City Council, December 14

2009-12-13T20:03:00.000-08:00

At the Concord City Council Meeting on December 14, 2009 at 5:30 p.m. (earlier starting time) two projects of interest will go before the City Council. The Transportation Action Team applauds the City Staff for their hard work in getting funding for these projects that will improve the mobility of bicyclists and pedestrians in our community.

Consent Calendar Item 3e.
Monument Corridor Pedestrian Infrastructure Improvements

City Staff recommends that the City Council award a construction contract. The project was scheduled for construction in 2009, but due to the budget crisis, the original Transportation for Livable Communities (TLC) grant funds were depleted. The Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) reprogrammed the TLC Grants to Surface Transportation Program (STP) and American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) Grants, and Staff obtained the replacement funding.

Consent Calendar Item 3h.
Monument Corridor Pedestrian and Bikeway Network Improvements

City Staff recommends that the City Council adopt resolutions to authorize the filing of applications for Transportation Development Act (TDA) Funds and State Transportation Improvement Program-Transportation Enhancement (STIP-TE) funds.

November 19 Meeting

2009-11-25T14:51:00.000-08:00

Extension to Pedestrian and Bikeway Trails
Ray Kuzbari, Transportation Manager for the City of Concord reported that the Contra Costa Transit Authority has approved $900k of funding for a proposal to extend Pedestrian and Bikeway Trails in Monument Corridor (see map). The improvements include signage, striping, paving, benches and call boxes.

This is "joyous news" says Mary Lou. She would like to call it the "Stan Hansen Trail".

The City Council will need to pass a resolution to send to the CCTA. Ray says for the Transportation Action Team to come to the City Council meeting and make a Public Comment about the trails extension. He says to "have a crowd there" and with a show of hands demonstrate community support for the new trails. [Dec. 6 Update: the City Council hearing will be on Dec. 14.]

Youth Art Contest Promotes Route 8
Cindy Dahlgren of the County Connection was presented with a dozen drawings of the Route 8 Bus produced for an art contest organized by the Youth and Volunteer Action Team. Cindy will hang the drawings in her office. The winners Diego, Mayra and Luis will receive prizes.

Meeting on September 17

2009-09-28T15:59:00.000-07:00

Concord Community Reuse Project
Draft Revised Environmental Impact Report (DEIR)
Edi Birsan made a presentation on his research of the DEIR. In Chapter 4 "Transportation", Figure 4-14 shows major street improvements which include upper Monument Boulevard widened to 6 lanes and Meadow Lane widened to 4 lanes (see number 15 and 16 on map). How can Meadow Lane be widened with out eminent domain of single family residences? The public review comment period was extended and now ends October 26, 2009 at 5 p.m.!

Monument Redevelopment Forum
An upcoming public meeting on a date to be determined will follow up on the development of Urban Design Guidelines.

City of Richmond's Draft General Plan
Community Health and Wellness Element
This is a brilliant GP element that we should consider for Concord's GP. Of particular interest is Goal HW4 "Encourage Safe and Convenient Public Transit and Active Circulation Options". Here are the policies:

HW4.1 Expanded and Affordable Public Transit
HW4.2 Enhanced and Accessible Paratransit
HW4.3 Safe and Convenient Walking and Bicycling
HW4.4 Safety and Accessibility
HW4.5 Complete Streets

Concord Trails Master Plan

2009-09-23T12:13:00.000-07:00

Here is some information on the Concord Trails Master Plan that was presented by Ray Kuzbari that I missed in the August 20 meeting:

A new Concord Trails Plan will be adopted by the City Council in October, and will be included in Concord’s General Plan.
Bicycle trails paralleling Monument Blvd. are planned in the Concord Trails plan.
One route will be a Class III Bike Connection Trail from Sunshine Drive to Linden Drive which connects to a Class II Bike Lane from Walter Way to Mohr Lane and the Iron Horse Regional Trail.

Meeting on August 20

2009-08-22T07:30:00.000-07:00

Today's guests include Joni Carlson of the East Bay Bicycle Coalition , Cindy Dahlgren of the County Connection and Ray Kuzbari, Transportation Manager for the City of Concord. Joni is the official representative of the EBBC to our TAT. Ray hopes the Pedestrian Infrastructure Improvement Project will begin construction in the fall. Caltrans funding is allocated but not yet available.

Joni points out to Ray that in the Contra Costa Countywide Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan it has Monument Blvd as a bike route. Ray thinks this is a mistake, and he has submitted the city's Trails Master Plan to the CCTA. (I have reproduced portions of the two maps in the June 1 draft of the CBPP. The first map shows the proposed Monument Blvd bikeway by CCC in red and by MTC in light blue. The other map shows the existing Class III bike routes in orange on Sunshine Dr and Meadow Ln.)

Cindy says the Route 8 bus has been advertised in many ways more than any other route. To get more people to ride Route 8, Luz and Hanna tried it. Also, the kids attending our meeting from the Youth and Volunteer Action Team have tried it. Laura-Jean says, "Route 8 is great!" People didn't know that Route 8 bus would come to your door. Call the day before to have it pick you up. (For your information, I have reproduced the Riders Guide / Guía del Viajero.) Cindy reminds us the funding quits in June 2010. We brainstormed ways for how Monument Blvd businesses could promote the Route 8 bus.

Meeting on July 16

2009-07-17T13:21:00.000-07:00

We warmly welcomed Brad Beck, Senior Transportation Planner for Contra Costa Transit Authority and Ray Kazbari, Transportation Manager for City of Concord, and we introduced our selves. Brad's introduction of himself included an explanation of what the CCTA does: it distributes sales tax money to transportation projects undertaken by cities and the county. We had a lively discussion on the Countywide Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan. Kathy Renfrow questioned why Monument Blvd. was not included on the bicycle route plan. The answer is too much traffic and not enough right-of-way for bicycle lanes on streets such as Monument and Clayton. The meeting ran out of time and we will continue the discussion at our next meeting.

Monument Boulevard Urban Design Plan and Design Guideline

2009-07-09T09:13:00.000-07:00

I spoke in favor of the proposed plan at the Concord City Council meeting on July 6. It's so good it should be referred to in related plans: CCTA's 2009 Countywide Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan Update, and City of Concord's Economic Vitality Strategy Update.

Read the July 9 Contra Costa Times article "Monument redevelopment plans pit traffic needs against community interests", and The Concordian article on page 32 "Vision for Monument Corridor taking shape".

Countywide Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan (CBPP) 2009 Update

2009-07-09T09:10:00.000-07:00

The Draft 2009 Countywide Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan is now available for review and comment. (I've attended the June 29 Public Workshop on the 2009 CBPP.) The update addresses MTC's "routine accommodation" policy, where Measure J explicitly supports the idea that bicycle and pedestrian needs should be routinely accommodated in projects funded with Measure J revenues.

Take a look at the plan at http://www.ccta.net/EN/main/bike/cbpp.html, and send your comments and suggestions to Brad Beck, Senior Transportation Planner.

February Transportation Action Team Minutes

2009-03-12T21:55:00.000-07:00

Monument Community Partnership
Transportation Action Team
Keller House
February 19, 2009

Attendance

Steve Ardrey East Bay Bicycle Coalition
Harold Blair MCP Board
Virginia Brunk, AARP
Gaby Castanada Facilitator, MCP Volunteer Action Team
Mary Lou Laubscher, Facilitator
Wes Laubscher Monument Crisis Center
Robert Mc Callister Resident
Bill Miller Senior Action Team
Dave Pitman Chair, Concord Park Association
Riena Velaquez Resident

Announcements
* Monument Pride Celebration coming on June 6th
* Volunteer Action Team is looking for space to meet
* Reina is concerned about safety on the Monument
* Wes suggested the group visit the Alameda Bicycle shop and program at the redeveloped Alameda Naval Base Redesign Project
* Bike to Work Day coming next month. Free “Goodie Bags will be given out to bikers at the Concord BART Station
* Lakeside Community Garden work day is February 28th at 10 a.m. Every one is invited to help out.
* Gentle Exercise class starting Monday, February 23 10:45 at the Police Sub Station , 1500 Monument Blvd.

Update on Changes in the County Connection Bus Routes by Virginia and Gaby

* All County Connection Bus Routes will be renumbered and changed.
* Bus fares will increase.
* Senior ID cards (Free Passes) will be eliminated
* LINK Services for disabled and seniors will cost $4.oo each way
* The Disabled /Senior Pass will be increased to 20 rides for $5.00
* Route 114 will not change but will be called Route 14
It will run on Weekends as Route 314
* Route 111 will be renamed Route 11
It will run on Weekends as Route 311
* Route 110 will be named Route 10
It will run on weekends as route 10 or route 20
* More weekend routes will be added to the system
* For information call 676-7500 or look up information at www.ccta.org
* Transportation Action Team can help by passing out blue information flyers widely

Starting a Monument Bicycle Repair Program by Steve Ardrey, Board Member East Bay Bicycle Coalition

Steve developed outline of a possible local program
Gaby, Mike Van Hofwegan (Monument Futures) and Mary Lou brainstormed suggestions

Starting a Community Bike Facility which would include:

Place to work on bikes with tools available
Kids/ workers build own bikes from recycled parts
An example is the Bicycle Kitchen project in San Francisco
Grants are available to start a simple program:
Saturday program using volunteers from Bicycle Coalition
Kids would fix a broken bike
Earn a biked
Learn how to patch a tire
Book on How To Do Repairs could be translated into Spanish
Space is main concern to get started
Meeting requested with Councilman Peterson
Virginia suggested into looking at Loma Vista Adult Ed. Site

Plan a group trip to Alameda Reuse project

Invite Garden Action Team, Transportation Action Team and Monument Redevelopment Team to join us.

Ratification Transportation Action Team Goals for 2009

Programs to in Be Continued in 2009
Urban Design Plan for Monument
Informative Speakers
Advocacy on Transportation Issues
Partnering with other agencies
Programs to Add in 2009
Participation in the Monument Redesign effort
Advocating for Safe Bicycle Routes and Walking Trails
Bicycle Safety Classes
Youth Bicycle Programs
Explore Boulder Colorado’s System for bikes, trails and other transportation Systems
Raising awareness for Safe use of Monument Corridor by pedestrians and bicyclists
Look for creative solutions to our transportation needs
Holding a bicycle Rodeo in conjunction with Monument Health Fair
Featuring new street improvements
Explore/ Initiate the feasibility of establishing a bicycle repair or recycling program

Approved 2-19 -09

Approval of Draft Letter Regarding MTC Use of Stimulus Funds

Group approved draft letters to Supervisor Federal Glover and Orinda Council Member Any Worth requesting they vote to use new Stimulus funds on local transportation projects that have be eliminated or greatly reduced in Contra Costa.

Next Steps

* Talk to Garden, Monument Re Design and Transportation groups about a joint trip to Alameda
* Distribute widely the blue informational flyers on County Connection Changes
* Harold and Mary Lou to attend press conference on February 25th regarding use of Stimulus funding
* Explore feasibility of Loma Vista site

Agenda Next Meeting
Report on meeting with Councilman Peterson
Start planning for Bicycle Repair Project
Update our blog with Dave’s help
Plan for tour of Alameda Re Design Project

Tonight’s meeting

+
Lots of great shared information
Better attendance from community members
Each person contributed information
Each person has been working on transportation projects
Meeting close almost on time

∆
Even more resident participation needed

Next Meeting
March 19, 7 p.m. at Keller House

Vision Statement By the year 2015 The Monument Transportation Action Team will have planned and implemented a “local” transportation system that will serve all residents of the Monument area who need it. It will be affordable, sustainable, safe, coordinated, environmentally sound, and get riders where they need to go in a reasonable time.

January 2009 Meeting Minutes

2009-01-25T12:42:00.000-08:00

Monument Community Partnership
Transportation Action Team
Keller House
January 16, 2009

Attendance

Steve Ardrey, East Bay Bicycle Coalition

Gaby Castanada, Facilitator, MCP Volunteer Action Team

Ray Kazbari,Concord City Transportation Manager

Mary Lou Laubscher,Facilitator

Wes Laubscher, Monument Crisis Center

Robert Mc Callister, Resident

Bill Miller, Senior Action Team

Ashok Patwardhan, Civil Engineer

Dave Pitman, Chair, Concord Park Association

Announcements

Paul Branson’s position in the County Employment & Human Services Department along with 160 other positions has been eliminated. He has helped develop transportation services for seniors, welfare to work parents, safe rides to school and our own Route 8 bus. His departure is a great blow to us and others working on developing transportation projects in the county

Feb. 11th Amigo/Ambassador Training Dinner at Keller House 6 p.m.
Trainees will become familiar with new route changes in CCCTA (County Connection) They will be able to assist riders in using the new bus routes starting March 1st

Cindy Dahlgren’s new phone number is 680-2045

Concord Transportation Updates, by Ray Kusbari

Concord Naval Weapons plan was adopted by City Council

Very rough plan

Calls for Clustered Villages with Multi Family High Density Housing

Incorporates modern planning which reduces car usage

In many ways it is comparable to the new Dublin design

Transit Village

Shopping Center

Large beautiful park

Trails

University

Sport Facilities

Because of limited funds for Concord for matching, there are no transportation grants being developed at the present

Current transportation funding comes from:

Traffic Mitigation Funds for infra structure

City General Fund

Air District Funds

Measure C and J funds

Types of Bicycle Lanes from the 2003 Concord Trails Master plan

Class I Separated lanes between cars and bikes

Class II Dedicated bike lanes with pavement markings

Class III Bike Route that share roads

A In residential areas with no should

B Aerials and Connector roads with shoulder stripes

Report on Boulder Colorado Transit Plan by Ashok Patwardhan

Excellent transportation options are available in Bolder Colorado.

Alternate transportation options to the car are available any where in the city, even during winter snows.

Bicycle Report by Steve Ardre, Member East Bay Bicycle Coalition

* Problem with drivers exiting Malls and shopping centers - they do not stop before entering street

Need for city ordinances or increase in police ticketing
* Bay Area Air Quality Management District has funding for stores to acquire additional bike racks
* New shopping centers now required to provide bike racks, Wise bikers use steel cables to secure their bikes
* Increased bicycle theft throughout the Bay area, but most people don’t report it

Bicycle Coalition has Bay Area All points Bulletin on Web site.
They often find stolen bikes

* Bicycle licensing not very effective.
* Pleasant Hill had a successful Volunteer Day

Special Section for bike repairs

REI gave away free bike merchandise such as tools & bike parts

* Oakland has Bicycle COOP shops-supported with funding from grants
Waste Management has Grants for repairing bikes obtained from dumps

* Community Bicycle Exchanges
* Kids Build Bikes Grants available
* Bike Coalition Sponsors Bike to Work Day – B of A gives out funds for Energizer Bags of drinks and snacks

What Went Well in 2008 for Transportation Action Team

Good speakers at meetings

Advocacy on Transportation Needs of Community

Strong partnering with City and County Connection

Route 8 Bus serving area

Monument Street Scape Hearings

Positive dialog to address transportation needs

Being Selected to hold MTC Transportation Forum here

Representative on Contra Costa Transit Authority Grant Selection Committee
Representative on Metropolitan Transportation Commission’s Transit Affordability Committee

What Could Have Been Improved in 2008

More Community Involvement and attendance

Better understanding of TAT Goals and Objectives

Better understanding residents transportation needs

Better publicity about meetings

Get DVC students involved

What Should Be Continued 2009

Urban Design Plan for Monument

Informative Speakers

Advocacy on Transportation Issues

Partnering with other agencies

What Should Be Added

Participation in the Monument Redesign effort

Advocating for Safe Bicycle Routes and Walking Trails

Bicycle Safety Classe
Youth Bicycle Programs

Explore Boulder Colorado’s System for bikes, trails and other transportation Systems

Raising awareness for Safe use of Monument Corridor by pedestrians and bicyclists

Look for creative solutions to our transportation needs

Holding a bicycle Rodeo in conjunction with Monument Health Fair

Featuring new street improvements

Explore the feasibility of establishing a bicycle repair or recycling program

Next Step

Steve share additional written information on resources for tonight’s ideas.
Attend February 11th Meeting but make reservation with Cindy for the Amigos/
Ambassador training

Agenda Next Meeting

Follow up discussion with Steve

Invite Elaine Welsh to talk on Senior/Disabled Transportation Options in Contra Costa County

Information from Cindy on new County Connection Routes and Fees

Tonight’s meeting

+

Speakers were very good

Lots of great information

Fresh information from Ray and Steve

Ashok’s information on the Bolder Colorado’s transit system

More resident participation needed

Next Meeting

February 19, 7 p.m. at Keller House

Vision Statement By the year 2015 The Monument Transportation Action Team will have planned and implemented a “local” transportation system that will serve all residents of the Monument area who need it. It will be affordable, sustainable, safe, coordinated, environmentally sound, and get riders where they need to go in a reasonable time.

December Minutes

2009-01-14T16:38:00.000-08:00

M.C.P
Transportation Action Team
www.transportationactionteam.blogspot.com
December 17, 2008
Keller House

Present: Mary Lou Laubscher, Lina Ortiz, Cindy Dahlgren, Bill Miller, Gaby Castaneda, Dave Pitman, Jenna Carlsson

Check In’s
Lina, enjoyed watching her children perform in their Christmas Music Shows in the last two days.
Dave, is doing good, selected chair for the neighborhood association Meadow Homes and won award 4 years ago for his neighborhood association. Various rankings completed and graduated back in 2004.
Cindy, Cal Act Fall Conference in Monterey in combo with the CA Transit Operation good speaks good conference, Robert F Kennedy his speaker and huge environmentalist and spoke about the connection between the environment and transportation. ADA proposed new regulations for American Disability Act and tours of course for functionability and they test everyone who apply. Like those who apply for the link service. American Disability Act eligibility revolves around the functional-ability. Can you pay the fare, can you get on the bus, can you follow a route. Then a 10 day vacation and then networking is really good but back home and working again. small specialized urban transit drivers convention, 131 big buses 63 paratransit.
Gabby, Christmas is so special this year with her 2 month old granddaughter Natalie, started smiling and laughing. Feels so happy and feels her sunshine at home.
Bill, is doing fine, is looking for a job. Enjoying his grandkids and watching their activities.
Mary Lou, glad to be thinking about the holidays and her last two weeks were spent in the hospital.
Jenna, originally from the Bay Area and studied Sociology Americorp Vista volunteer and worked with newly arrived refugees. Berma, Africa, Iraq and had started new programs for these refugees. Minority health and health discrepancies are currently her passions.

Community Reports
11-5 CCTA Meeting Forum Keller House
11-11 County Connection
11-18 Means Based Transit Fare Discount Program Planning Meeting, Service Providers
12-8 Senior Mobility Action Committee, Paul Bransons position eliminated. Worked for the County, Welfare to Work transportation, Laying off 200 People and his programs will go away. Children Transportation program not continued and Rise to Success program also not to continue. Active with CC for Every Generation.
12-8 Dr. Len announces his retirement from MCP

Cindy, Changes Planned for County Connection starting March 2009
• Board met this morning and put together a plan. 6 workshops to cut 20-30% of their service.
• The voice of most said to not cut routes completely, doesn’t matter if they come at least every hour and a half.
• Weekend service (Sat and Sun the same and more Sunday service but at least every hour and half.) Weekday Service
• Approved the Service Plan, changes will happen March 22
• Lay off 40 bus drivers, transit center in WC closing at WC Bart.
• Free midday Senior fares from 10-2pm will be discontinued
• 2 phase fare increase back in 2005, 2006 was the first one, March 22 in 2009 is the second one.
• $2 cash care, $1 Seniors, $4 for Link are the new fares. Repercutions mostly on link with ridership.
• School trippers (buses to schools) will still be there, will not cut buses going to school and transporting students.
• Software on buses has helped them figure out
• www.cccta.org for updates and news flashes, Cindy will 1,800 bus stops over 200 square miles, all the signage will have to be changed and reprinted.
• Lost and Found in the Concord Office, ironically the bus doesn’t go there.
• Transit Discount Cards can only get at Senior Center, will heavily rely on riders to buy passes at community outlets, online or mail.
• Monument Crisis Center has passes for sale. MCP could sell passes if they wanted. Other places in
Concord as well.
• Bart is moving at the Transit Center, ticket people will selling tickets and will combine all tickets for you.
• Customer Service representatives will be challenged. Amigos de Viajar and Bus Ambassadors will be heavily relied on to help passengers will all the new route changes. Bus drives will have to learn new bus routes. Some bus stops will have new numbers on them.
• Some stops will go away – like when routes are straightened out.
• 3 people will do the job of changing everything. No action plan yet but most likely the most used routes first and then do the other ones later.
• Mobility Management Center, waiting for grant to do mobility inventory in CC County. Will hire a consultant to do an inventory in the communities. Like a church, do they have a van. Preschools that have vans and medicare vans, taxi, airport operators, car shares. Where it is, how it operates, who it serves and where it goes. EXAMPLE, Broadway Plaza called and wanted a shopping shuttle from Rossmoor to Broadway Shopping Center. She directed them to someone else so they could share resources. Share resources and how to use those resources the best. They really don’t know what’s out there. Next Step: put it into a database and make it accessible in a website. Then one number to call to get connected. Transportation provider and rider will be connected to resources. Could go into an insurance pool. Non-Profits united.
• In Lamorinda Seniors came up with 3 things they wanted to do. 1, discount taxi rides, 2 volunteer driver program, 3 a van driver program. Within 2 years they accomplished it. 20% off taxi drivers, Senior Helpline Services and put together a budget and applied for a van through Cindy. Got a grant through the City of Lafayette and Moraga, Freedom Money, aggressive fund-raising. Big pool of volunteer. Mary Brunes, heading it, has lots of articles in Lamorinda Newsletter. Meisun Lei, at Lafayette Senior Center.
• 2nd New Freedom Grants, West and East County, to do three outreach meetings and take information from those meeting for the Mobility Management Center. Next step: opening Mobility Management Center. Website will come first.
• Director of Planning, Ann Muzzeni bright and is doing an amazing job of leading these changes.

What went well in 2008: Good advocacy on community needs at Concord Monument Street Scape Hearing, speakers excellent, maps were excellent, good professional speakers that cooperate with us, City staff lets us know when transportation meetings are coming up, Mary Lou’s involvement, Monument Blvd Sidewalk Improvements, Signal at Robin and Meadow. Planning for bicycle rodeo. Cindy’s participation and her early notification of all the changes within the Contra Costa County Connection.
What could be improved in 2008: Better attendance, Lina and Gabby take more of a leadership roles, better attendance, find out what transportation issues people would come out for. phone announcements, notification of meetings by Concord’s Engineering Dept., no group goal because we’ve been in a learning and observing mode.

Next Steps: Looking at and revising strategic plan for 2009, bring goals and objectives. Making the changes in the transportation world connect with real persons and their stories. Brainstorm issues on what residents would coume out for – survey? Distribute info County Connection changes and bring distinguished people to meetings. Secure meeting room space. Invite bicycle guy, EBRP Dist. Speaker.
Agenda for Next Meeting:
This Meeting Highlights: ideas, Cindy’s info of changes within County Connection
How this meeting could be improved: more interested people
Next Meeting: January 15th 2009, 7pm-9pm Keller House

Vision Statement By the year 2015 The Monument Transportation Action Team will have planned and implemented a “local” transportation system that will serve all residents of the Monument area who need it. It will be affordable, sustainable, safe, coordinated, environmentally sound, and get riders where they need to go in a reasonable time

2008-11-11T16:26:00.000-08:00

M.C.P

Transportation Action Team

www.transportationactionteam.blogspot.com

October 16, 2008

Keller House

Present: Virginia Brunk, Cindy Dahlgren, Abdul Hossain, Gabby Castaneda, Adriana De Leon, Bill Miller, Wes Laubscher, Mary Lou Laubscher, Lina Ortiz, Diego Ramos, Bernardo Soto, Abedias Velazquez,

Check In’s

Everyone introduced themselves.

Announcements

Senior Transportation Forum

for small transportation providers in Contra Costa County

October, 26, 2008 1:30 PM 100 Gregory Lane, Conference Room, Pleasant Hill

Mary Lou was appointed to Lifeline Transportation Program Application Review Committee

Community Reports

Cindy Dahlgren reported that County Connection is experiencing four million dollar cuts in state funding. Lifeline applications completed. Route 8 continuance was not included in request. Route 8 will end operating March 2010. County Connection cannot sustain Route 8 after the three year period. Money will be used for operating money for Monument buses 114-115-111-314. Money will be used also for operating money for core routes that serve Martinez 108-116-118. They will be replacing 40 buses next year, 16 of them will be hybrids-diesel-electric buses. County connection will need to cut 75,000 hours of service starting in Spring of 2009. Route 820 Night Owl Route will end December 28. It is now costing $65 dollars a passenger ride. Retired vans will be available in 2010 instead of 2008.

County Connection Workshop

Open House: Workshops for Bus Service Reduction suggestions.

Tuesday, November 11, 2008 at Keller House 1760 Clayton Rd. Concord. Drop in hours from 4 to 7 p.m. Residents encouraged to come in and express their ideas on how to redesign routes to be more efficient an to get them where they need to go.

www.cccta.org for online flyer

Abul Hussain, Concord Transportation Director presented the large planning maps for the Monument Boulevard - Meadow Lane street improvements. The maps showed the plans for sidewalks, cross walks, wheel chair ramps and street light improvements. The whole group looked at the maps and commented. Money is in hand. The final design has yet to be completed and approved by the engineering and planning departments. Project may be completed by next year at this time.

Next Steps

Get friends to come on November 11, 2008 and bring transportation ideas to Contra Costa Connection Open House

Distribute Open House Information Cards widely.

Start thinking about other ways to transport ourselves to get where we need to go

This Meeting Highlights:

Abdul’s presentation of planning maps and information

Cindy’s County Connection announcements

Diego, Monument Crisis Youth Council representative, attended,

How this meeting could be improved:

More people

Next Meeting: Will be the County Connection Open House, November 11, 4-7 pm, at Keller House

Vision Statement By the year 2015 The Monument Transportation Action Team will have planned and implemented a “local” transportation system that will serve all residents of the Monument area who need it. It will be affordable, sustainable, safe, coordinated, environmentally sound, and get riders where they need to go in a reasonable time

Transportation Action Team August Minutes

2008-09-09T13:31:00.000-07:00

M.C.P

Transportation Action Team

www.transportationactionteam.blogspot.com

August 22, 2008

Keller House

Present: Wes Laubscher, Mary Lou Laubscher, Lina Ortiz, Trevor Stack, Harold Kroger, Joan Carrico, Nancy Baer, Cindy Dahlgren, Ray Kazbani

Check In’s

Trevor, doing research in Mexico and is staying involved with meeting in Martinez and Concord. Would like to invite everyone to come to the Martinez Library on August 26^th at 6:30pm to discuss What is Citizenship?

Cindy, County Connection hired a new planner in April, has hit the ground running. Great asset and assistance for the team. Happy to have her on board.

Lina, has a new job opportunities working on web sites for MCP.

Wes, 5^th Annual Celebration for the Monument Community Crisis Center, great celebration over 200, food and cultural dances. Fun!

Nancy, from the county Public Health Department is working with MCP on urban design project for Monument Boulevard. Transportation is a major part of that project..

Joan, Director of Concord, Community and Recreation Services happy to be here

Cindy, County Connection

In July Route 8 has been at it’s highest rider-ship since last September.
“Vida Sana”, Ambassador Program and Transportation Services with Gabby Castaneda, show will be on 5 -6 times. It’s in Spanish. On the Concord channel.
Training for transit ambassadors, Sept. 6^th, 10-4 lunch will be provided County Connection office, Arnold Industrial Way.. The commitment is to give 4 hours of volunteer hours a month, participate in 4 meetings a year. Ambassador pass to ride free while they are working and not.
Kid Program, will travel to schools by Marie Knutson, County Connection, Class Pass talks about transit, safety on the bus, tour facility, great video. Safety Rex.
Lifeline program is coming up, Contra Costa Connection applying. Money will go to keep services already in place running. Interested in having a Monument Community Meeting to discuss Route 8. Should we get rid of Route 8 put that money towards Route 114?. Outreach has been very extensive for Route 8 and yet there is not enough rider ship to keep the route. A public hearing will be held probably in October to discuss Possible changes in Route 8.. Kohls will be on the new schedule when it’s printed shopping center great place for the Route 8.
Rider ship on County Connection Routes have gone up due to gas prices, Particularly on their Express & Martinez Routes.
Call the County Connection Customer Service line at 676-7500 for more information

Concord Trails Master Plan by Jean and Ray

Ray Introduced the plan, group looking at actual maps. Excellent maps.

Trails Master Plan trail shows linkages and connections for recreation and bicycle routes. Deals with the bicycle trail connections..
Discussed and looked together as a group at Table 2-3 Recommended Bikeways on City Streets
David Avenue: North side, work with Bart for widenening lane, costly. South side has parking
We want safe routes for kids getting to their schools when they use Oak Grove.
Designated area on Meadow Lane to add bike lane or widen bike lane. Upgraded recommendation for Meadow Lane from what is on the table. Class 3b, to Class 2. Widening bike lane to 5 ft.
Looked At: Monument Corridor Pedestrian Infrastructure Plan 3million dollars, MTC, TLC money and Redevelopment Money (ultimate goal to create a better environment for pedestrians on Monument). Consistency requirements have to be met when using grant money.
Carey Drive to just East of Oak Grove. Meadow Lane just north Leland and Johnson will be improved
Carey to Meadow Lane, 4 Corners 10 Ft widen sidewalks on Monument
Replacing handicap ramps at various sites on Monument.
Transitions asphalt patches getting fixed
At Victory Lane Intersection one corner will be extended out
Pedestrian signals changed out to Count Down pedestrian signals.
Bike lanes Meadow lane to Johnson/Leland.

Next Steps

Plan interesting Route 8 bus tours/ adventures and have sign ups at Health Fair on October 4th.

Get different Monument Groups to host the tours.

Contact Dan Sequeira, Associate Civil Engineer, City of Concord for future community meetings.

Agenda for Next Meeting:

Focus on walking paths for traveling to and from shopping, schools and health services

This Meeting Highlights:

Having the visual map (aerial photographs), presentations by Ray and Joan

How this meeting could be improved:

More Monument residents attending

Next Meeting: Thursday September 18, 7 pm, at the Keller House

2008-06-26T16:24:00.000-07:00

M.C.P
Transportation Action Team
www.transportationactionteam.blogspot.com
June 19, 2008
Keller House

Present: Wes Laubscher, Mary Lou Laubscher, Lina Ortiz, Gaby Castañeda, Silvia Flores, Claudia Vasquez, Luz Sierra

Check In’s and Announcements: New Blog online atwww.transportationactionteam.blogspot.com, visit to read the monthly minutes and for other news and pictures.

Gaby, preparing for First Five Festival
Wes, thinking of all the things to do, Route 8 is not being ridden as much as it should.
Mary Lou, City of Concord interested in redoing old Trail Master Plan
Silvia, interested in walking trails
Lina, moving, busy will be settled in by August 20th
Luz, Queen of All Saints has a new spanish Senior group meeting weekly

Community Reports
July 9, Martha Potts will be on Concord TV to talk about Route 8
Naval Weapons Station Re Design Meeting-Many MCP members there
Gaby’s Picture and article is in new 1st 5 Publication

Monument Riding and Walking Trails
Group looked at old out of date Concord Trails Master Plan
Guy Bjerke, Councilman, is interested in getting more people biking

Joan Carriceo, Community and Recreation Services Dept. will coordinate a group of city personal to look at updating the old Trails Master Plan. A member of the new Internal City Trails Planning Committee/Team will come to meet with our action team on July 17.

The team will include:
Interium Assistant City Manager, Kay Winer,
Ray Kazbari -Transportation Dept.
Member -Engineering Dept.
Member-Planning Dept and
Joan- Parks and Recreation Department Manager.

What we like so far regarding Concord Trails:
-Some trails around the city
-Iron Horse trail

Where We Want to Go or Do:
-Sunday Family Bike/Walk Event
-Guy to lead us on a Bicycle Rodeo, (close one lane, 4 hours at a time on a weekend, all sorts of exercise events)
-Get info from Monument Futures on where their workers ride to work. Many ride in the street where it is not safe. But riding on the side walk is illegal.
-Loma Visa Adult Ed., no side walk by Skate BoardPark
-Dangerous trying to cross Monument
-Over Bart Tracks crossing by Oak Grove Intermediate has fights and tagging

Barriers to Getting Where We Need To Go
-Existing trails not promoted
-Oak Grove Road Bike route not safe dirty and has rocks, uneven around curbs, you have to ride outside of the bike lane
-Have to get out of bike lanes to continue
-Many ride bikes on sidewalks on Monument and Oak Grove
-Bikes using sidewalks
-Bike routes through subdivisions poorly marked, poorly marked routes, signs for cars to read “Beware Bike Trial”
-Meadow Lane has no bike trail there is no place for bike
-Victory Lane, walkers and wheelchairs have to go into the street where the sidewalk stops
-Covered benches along trails and bus stops
- Lack of pedestrian warning signs at local markets for those drivers turning in or coming out of shopping centers.
-Uneven curb gutters bikes can’t navigate
-Most dangerous spot in crossing is intersection of Lacey Lane and Monument
-Bumpy black top covers, sidewalk on end of Eureka Lane
-Dangerous path along side Cambridge School going to park, path is dark, men exposing themselves
-No affordable bike shop to repair on Monument (Monument Futures need a grant to set up; a shop)
-Safe sidewalks –some sidewalks are so bumpy persons in wheelchairs have trouble
Crossing Monument to get to BART
-Suggestion: Trucks on Monument only on non-busy hours, signs that say no driving through Monument from 8am-8pm
-Lacey Lane corner sign needed, No Left Turn on Monument from 7 :30-900am, 2:00-400pm

Next Steps: Group bike rides to explore current bike trails and walking paths around Monument and Oak Grove
Wes will outline trails on a current Concord map

Agenda for Next Meeting:
Interagency Team Report and Discussion
Report from Cindy Dahlgren, CCTA regarding rider ship on Route 8

This Meeting Highlights:
So many ideas
Everyone contributing to the discussions
Good working group

How this meeting could be improved:
Meeting went well

Next Meeting: July 17th, 7pm Keller House

Vision Statement By the year 2015 The Monument Transportation Action Team will have planned and implemented a “local” transportation system that will serve all residents of the Monument area who need it. It will be affordable, sustainable, safe, coordinated, environmentally sound, and get riders where they need to go in a reasonable time

Transportation Action Team Meeting Minutes April 2008

2008-04-27T01:28:00.001-07:00

M.C.P
Transportation Action Team
www.transportationactionteam.blogspot.com
April 17, 2008
Keller House

Present: Wes Laubscher, Mary Lou Laubscher, Lina Ortiz, Gaby Castañeda, Cindy Castañeda, Harold Blair, Harold Krogen, Virginia Brunk, Mayra Estrada, Luis Jimenez

Check In’s and Announcements: New Blog online at http://www.transportationactionteam.blogspot.com/, visit to read the monthly minutes and for other news and pictures.

Gaby, teens from the Youth Group took a tour of Route 8 from Meadow Homes Park to the Mall. 20+ students enjoyed the ride and couldn’t believe how easy it was to use. They rode to the mall and took a 30 min. break before getting back on.

Wes, Board Director for the Monument Crisis Center, De La Salle boys wrote and illustrated stories and read them to the kids at the center.

Virginia, April 18th from 10-2pm, Pharmacy Day at the Concord Senior Center so bring your bags of med’s and 4 pharmacists will be on duty make sure your medications are not counteracting. Bring both prescription and nonprescription medicines.

Harold, went to a meeting at Monument Futures, met with Molly Clark and the ten community listners:
There will be a Concord Naval Weapons Station planning meeting for the community May 28th at Cambridge Elementary school at 6 p.m. Dinner will be served. Flyer to come. This meeting is important because it will impact our children’s future for jobs and affordable housing. A Community Center for the Monument could be something that comes from the tax money from this reutilization. At the beginning of the meeting they want to play a game by putting five issues on the board, rating them and then placing them in order.

Mary Lou, Applying for MTC Transportation Forum Funding, Senior Action Team meeting 5th of May at 9:30 a.m. at the Police Substation, speaker on “How to Avoid Senior Scams.”, May 6th Mary Lou will be on TV at 7pm CC Channel, May 19th Senior Mobility Action Committee meeting, County Connection will be there.
Monday, April 21, 12-2pm, Mayores En Accion (for the Spanish speaking seniors)
DMV Community Outreach Ombudsman Driver Safety Manager, Julio Lacayo, 510.563.8998

Lina, the Community Gardens Action Team is preparing for the Monument Pride Community Celebration on June 7th from 11-4pm at 1500 Monument Blvd., our booth will have a kids Garden Discovery Area. Children will plant a seed and take them home. We will also showcase various rolling wagons from our group members.

How do we help people use public transportation?Why people do not use public transportation?
Barriers to using Public Transit
Not a habit
Three kids to load onto the bus and have to depend on strangers to help.
Bus stop too far away and can’t wave down the bus.
Teens shuttled by parents and have no experience riding on the bus.
Teens get licenses to early.
Route 8 1 hour is too long to wait.
Idea: A Bus Passport for Teens, Myra our youth member likes the bus, the drivers are nice, kids to kids approach will work better for teaching bus skills.

Metropolitan Transportation Forum on Monument
15 Invitees and they will get paid $65
Possible invitees: Youth Mayra,Transportation Gaby
Board, Harold, Cesar Silva, Monument Futures Board, Safeway biker
Harold friend Carlos works at Suites in PH
Leonora, from Mayores en Accion and travels by bus everyday
Molly, Anne Allen, left on Paratransit for an hour just sitting their and no air conditioner.

Community Reports
Petition to MCP Board – one week at Cambridge – one week at Meadow Homes.
Use our resources at Cambridge, Meadow Homes, Ygnacio Valley Elementary Schools, use circles of influence.

Senior Transportation Forum-
Metropolitan Transportation Forum – to discuss needs of underserved areas.
First Five offers room for the meeting. Prepare a list of groups in community who care about transportation.

Next Steps: Marketing the Transportation Action Team, this group is the basic transportation planning group.

Agenda for Next Meeting
Myra our youth member will work with Gaby to redesign the Route 8 flyer so that it is more user friendly.
MTC Forum Planning
Free Contra Costa Van, volunteer or paid driver
Invite City Staff for a frank discussion on walking trails and bike paths
Interface with Monument Redevelopment
Design Survey for paths and trails, do surveys in person about 3-5 questions.

This Meeting Highlights
New faces, new people
Fresh energy
Knowledgable youth willing to talk, Mayra is amazing and had so much to say about teens and transportation!
Great flexibility in meeting procedures
Lots of information
Finished on time

How this meeting could be improved
Lack of prepared agenda sheets and fancy name tags
Lack of refreshments

Next Meeting:
May Forum –
June 19th , 7pm Keller House, invite Julio Lacayo from the DMV

Transportation Action Team Meeting Minutes March 2008

2008-03-31T00:40:00.000-07:00

M.C.P
Transportation Action Team
www.transportationactionteam.blogspot.com
March 20, 2008
Keller House

Present: Wes Laubscher, Mary Lou Laubscher, Lina Ortiz, Gaby Castaneda, Harold Blair, Patti Sparks Transportation Services Specialist Aging and Adult Services Contra Costa County

Check In’s
Wes, Board Director for the Monument Crisis Center, 1,300 families a month, ton food a day, families come with other problems and have other programs. Promotes Route 8, they have friendly bus drivers.

Gabby, she is from Amigos de Viajar and she took the Lakeside Group – Mayores En Accion on a Route 8 trip from Lakeside to Sunvalley Mall and back. The ride was great and the shuttle was full and is being used regularly!

Lina, she is the new facilitator for the Community Gardens Action Team and recently posted the Meeting Minutes on their blog which is found at, http://www.communitygardensactionteam.blogspot.com/
Cambridge Elementary had a Community Gardening Day on March 15th and will also have one in April will need volunteers.

Announcements
New Blog online at http://www.transportationactionteam.blogspot.com/, visit to read the monthly minutes and for other news and pictures.
Applying for MTC Transportation Forum Funding
Lina Ortiz is the new Co-Facilitator for the Transportation Action Team
Big Redevelopment Meeting May 21 or 28, 2008, date to be confirmed

Community Reports
Monument redesign
Naval Weapons redesign
Bicycle Safety Quiz

Welcome our Guest Speaker:
Patti Sparks Transportation Specialist
Contra Costa County Aging & Adult Services
A Bureau of the Employment & Human Services Department

Patti Sparks spoke:
Blessed to get a phone call about an open position in Contra Costa County, was still working in Pittsburg with low income seniors. Her office at Columbia Park Manor, Senior Living facility. She was there for six years and developed recreation activities and linked seniors to resources. They were funded for five years by John Muir, Mt. Diablo, Soda Foundation, got a case manager to do outreach to find seniors who had not been helped. Exercise instructor, nutritionist, these seniors were appreciative and they started a senior counsel and gave input about senior programs. We need a van not the Pittsburg bus and got a full time bus driver, 4th year got a grant to develop extensive health program. Walk three times a week certain amount of laps and you had a walking coach and each Senior who met their goal got a ten dollar stipend to buy food. 43 seniors involved. Stretch classes and seniors then taught the classes, she taught a disabled person to teach. They felt so good that they continued program although the funding ended. Transportation program for two and a half years bus driver and dispatcher Gated community lots of trees Took seniors to Walnut Creek hospitals from Pittsburg or Brentwood to Martinez to VA, seniors that were too vulnerable to get to hospital using the regular transportation system. Senior Helpline Services, Elaine Welch, they need volunteers, volunteer driver program. Thru Door – Thru Door – free, seniors, mobile enough to walk crutches okay, walkers okay, not wheelchairs, taking their own car. Volunteer will take them to grocery store and go in with them, flu shot stand in line with them, doctors office wait with them. The volunteers drivers will be trained. Monument Corridor is a targeted area a bid out this summer, Elaine’s group, Caring Hands might bid for it. They need to be working with MCP or Senior Action Team 3,000 Seniors on Monument – 75 english speaking, 25 spanish speaking. Younger generation is the opposite. Train drivers on apartment locations, how to get through gates, where to park. Call first that person is there, waiting, come out front for pick up.

County Connection Paratransit Vans are retiring and will be available this summer. Monument Community Partnership if they had a van would have different age groups use it. They will train 4 drivers through laidlaw, and will also provide $5,000 dollars for two years for maintenance, you have to provide the driver and cover insurance, and gas, you have to paint the bus. Requirement transportation, 50 one way adult trips, disability focus. If you apply we can be reached easily at 925-313-1633 to answer any questions.

How can the vans be used in the heart of the partnership. You can use the bus to advertise your community resources, good at relationship building and will help build trust in the community, for people to use.

First need to find the groups then the program.

How to move faster: Start being proactive, where are we going to get our drivers?
Petition to MCP Board – one week at Cambridge – one week at Meadow Homes.
Use our resources at Cambridge, Meadow Homes, Ygnacio Valley Elementary Schools, use circles of influence.

This group is the basic transportation planning group.

Next Steps in Biking and Walking Trails
Invite City Staff for a frank discussion

Senior Transportation Forum:

Metropolitan Transportation Forum – to discuss needs of underserved areas.
First Five offers room for the meeting
List of groups in community who care about transporation.

Next Steps
Design Route 8 Info Sheet both in English and Spanish
Invite ourselves to Resource Network and the First Five
Route 8 and CC Bus
Local Agencies
First 5 Logos on Bus

Marketing the Transportation Action Team
Attend Mothers Day Celebration, Monument Pride, Health Fair, First 5 Fair
Need Transporation Action Team Flyer

Agenda for Next Meeting
MTC Forum Planning
Free Contra Costa Van, volunteer or paid driver
City Staff on trails and paths
Interface with Monument Redevelopment
Design Survey for paths and trails, do surveys in person about 3-5 questions.

This Meeting Highlights
Speaker was knowledgable about our community
Good discussion due to size of group
Great new projects

How this meeting could be improved
More people

Next Meeting
April 17th, 2008, Keller House 7PM