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HomeMy WebLinkAbout08/15/2006, BUS. 5 - GOAL-SETTING AND FINANCIAL PLAN SCHEDULE FOR 2007-09 1 council. MafinD� 8-15-06 acEnaa Repom CITY O F SAN LUIS O B 1 S P 0 FROM: Ken Hampian, City Administrative Officer Bill Statler, Director of Finance &Information Technology SUBJECT- GOAL-SETTING AND FINANCIAL PLAN SCHEDULE FOR 2007-09 CAO RECOMMENDATION Approve the goal-setting and Financial Plan schedule for 2007-09. REPORT-IN-BRIEF Building on our past experience in successfully integrating Council goal-setting into the budget process, this report sets forth the proposed process and schedule for the 2007-09 Financial Plan. As described more fully below, the following summarizes the proposed "five-step" goal-setting process for 2007-09 and key Council dates: .. Process 00 0• Thursday, November 16 © Setting the Table. Lay the foundation for goal-setting by Special Meeting considering the current status of both long and short terms goals 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM previously adopted by the City and place them in the context of our general fiscal outlook. Tuesday, December 12 ® Budget Foundation. Finalize plans for the goal-setting process; Special Meeting review Financial Plan policies and organization; review the audited 7:00 to 10:00 PM financial results from 2005-06; and discuss the results of the five-year fiscal forecast. Wednesday,January 10 © Community Foram. Consider comments and suggestions from Special Meeting community groups, interested individuals and Council advisory bodies. 6:30 to 9:30 PM Saturday,January 27 ® Council Goal-Setting Workshop. Discuss candidate goals Special Meeting presented at the January 10 forum;consider Council member goals; 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM prioritize and set major City goals. Tuesday,April 10 © Major City Goal Work Programs. Conceptually approve detailed Special Meeting work programs for major City goals adopted by the Council; and set 7:00 to 10:00 PM strategic budget direction for preparation of the 2007-09 Financial Plan. How does the November 2006 revenue ballot measure affect this process? The short answer is: it doesn't. Regardless of whether the measure passes or fails,the fundamental purpose of the City's goal-setting and budget process remains unchanged: linking what we want to accomplish for our community over the next two years with the resources necessary to do so. Obviously, if the measure passes, we will have more resources than if it doesn't. However, we believe that the key Goal-Setting and Financial Plan Schedule for 2007-09 _Page 2 features of the process that we have used in the past will serve us well in setting goals and preparing the budget for 2007-09 regardless of the outcome of the election. And if the measure passes, this process will also serve us well in providing the framework for the fiscal accountability and citizen oversight provisions that the measure requires. Moreover, we will know the results of the election before the first workshop in this process, and as such, the Council will be able to make well- informed decisions at every step. DISCUSSION As reflected in the proposed schedule for preparing the 2007-09 Financial Plan provided in Attachment 1, we recommend continuing to use a multi-year budgeting approach that begins with the Council setting goals for the most important things for the City to accomplish over the next two years. Based on our experience over the past sixteen years along with feedback from the Council, staff and community on the goal-setting process, this has been a successful approach in assuring that the fundamental purpose of the City's budgetary process is achieved: linking what we want to accomplish for our community over the next two years with the resources necessary to do so. As reflected in the attached schedule, we are building on our past experience and proposing to again use a"five-step"process like we did two years ago for the 2005-07 Financial Plan: 1. "Setting the Table" Workshop: We propose a similar "background" workshop like we held two years ago, which will be devoted to a comprehensive review of the status of current City plans, goals, policies and programs. This is an especially appropriate start for Council goal-setting, as we have always defined the purpose of the City's budget process as�asking ourselves: In order to"set the table"in a timely manner for the goal-setting and budget process, it must be Of the many goals, objectives and work programs set scheduled before any new Council forth in our long-term planning and policy members take office in December. documents, which are we going to focus on in the next However, the"Council-Elect Members"will be known by then two years? and are encouraged to attend. In fact, with its emphasis on With this approach, the City's two-year budget revisiting existing plans, policies process becomes our key tool in programming the and goals,this is an excellent implementation of these plans and policies by primer"for any new Council allocating the resources necessary to do so. members. For this reason, we will highlight the importance of this workshop with Mayor and Council In short, we do not start the goal-setting process candidates, and strongly encourage from scratch with an empty plate: it needs to be them to put this on their calendars informed by our adopted long-term plans, current and attend if they are elected.. two-year goals and fiscal outlook. Accordingly, we plan to present comprehensive (but concise and meaningful)reports on the following: a. Status of General Plan Programs. Building on the approach we used two years ago, we plan to present an overview of the status of each General Plan program in all of the ten Elements (about 400 programs in total). Organized by Element, we will provide a short Goal-Setting and Financial Plan Schedule for 2007-09 Page 3 summary of each program, whether it has been completed, and if not, a high level assessment of how difficult it will be to complete. As we did two years ago, we also plan to present a similar summary of the status of the programs in the Conceptual Physical Plan for the City's Center. While this is not a General Plan Element, it is referenced in the General Plan, and several of its programs are closely linked. b. Long Term Capital Improvement Plan. This will provide a"high level" summary of the estimated costs of the new facilities and infrastructure that will be needed to implement our General Plan at build-out based on plans and policies previously adopted by the Council. c. Status of Our Current Two-Year Major City Goals: Carryovers and Spin-Offs. Some of our major city goals may not be complete by June 2007; as such, the "carryover" work on them may be candidate Major City Goals for 2007-09. And even for those goals where the specific work programs for 2005-07 may be completed by June 2007, there may be "spin-off' tasks as a result. This is especially true for work programs in 2005-07 where the objective was to complete plans or studies: with those now in place, a likely "spin-off' into 2007-09 may be implementation of these studies. d. Status of Current Capital Improvement Plan (CIP)Projects. This report will present an overview of the status of all current CIP projects (about 200), organized by function and phase. It will also identify candidate projects for deletion or deferral based on their status and priority relative to other needs that have emerged since they were initially approved. e. General Fiscal Outlook. It is also important to place goal-setting in the context of our fiscal condition and outlook. This report on our "general fiscal outlook" will not provide a detailed forecast (as discussed below, this will be presented to the Council on December 12); however, it will highlight key trends and emerging challenges. It will also assess the impact of the revenue ballot measure results on our general fiscal outlook. In summary, while the goal-setting process can certainly be used to initiate goals that have never been on our radar before, it should start from where we are today, based on the long- term plans and objectives we have already adopted, and the high-priority programs and projects already underway. And we should place this in the context of our fiscal outlook. As it did two years ago, comprehensively "setting the table" in this way will require a dedicated budget workshop. Accordingly, we recommend holding a special budget workshop for this purpose on Thursday, November 16, 2006 from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM, to ensure adequate time for the Council to ask questions and fully discuss these issues. 2. `Budget Foundation" Workshop. Again, as we did two years ago, we recommend holding a special workshop dedicated to the "financial and policy" tools that serve as the foundation for the City's budget and goal-setting process. We plan to cover the following topics at this workshop, which we recommend holding on the evening of Tuesday,December I2, 2006. J3 t - Goal-Setting and Financial Plan Schedule for 2007-09 Page 4 a. Finalize plans for the Community Forum and Council goal-setting workshop. b. Review Financial Plan policies and organization, and recommend changes as appropriate. c. Present the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report for 2005-06 and discuss the audited financial results. d. Review and discuss the results of the General Fund Five-Year Fiscal Forecast, which will reflect the results of the November 2006 revenue ballot measure.. 3. Community Forum. Held on the evening of Wednesday, January 10, 2007, the purpose of this workshop is to solicit suggested goals and work programs from Council advisory bodies, community groups and interested individuals. As we did two years ago, we plan to hold the forum at the Ludwick Community Center. Organizing the Forum. Along with the opportunity for participants to share their goals directly with the Council, two years ago we planned on "breakout groups" as well. However, given the turnout and large number of speakers, we were not able to hold the breakout sessions. Based on this experience as well as Council feedback, we plan to modify the "breakout group" approach we attempted to use two years ago, while still providing an opportunity for meaningful discussion by participants. As noted above, we will present the recommended approach to the Council at the December 12 workshop. Community Outreach. Following Council approval of the budget calendar, we will mail notices to over 175 community groups, governmental agencies, media organizations and interested individuals inviting them to participate in this process. In addition to these notices, we also plan to place display ads in The Tribune and New Times in order to encourage the broadest possible participation in this process. We also plan to again insert a Community Budget Bulletin in our utility bills inviting the public to participate in the goal-setting and budget process, and soliciting their comments on the "three to five most important things for the City to do in the next two years." Two years ago, we received about 400 replies in response to this insert, which we transcribed in their entirety and distributed to the Council along with a summary of"top themes." 4. Council Goal-Setting Workshop. Following the receipt of written and oral comments on January 10, the goal-setting workshop will be held on Saturday, January 27, 2007 in the City/County Library Community Room. 5. Major City Goal Work Programs. Following the Council goal-setting workshop, staff will prepare detailed work programs for the Major City Goals in order to: a. Clearly define and scope the work program. b. Ensure that there is a clear understanding of the means used in pursuing the goal. c. Convert the general goal into specific action steps so we can measure progress in achieving it. ��7 Goal-Setting and Financial Plan Schedule for 2007-09 Page 5 Each work program will provide the following information: Objective. What do we specifically want to accomplish? (This will be based on the objective adopted by the Council at the January 27 goal-setting workshop.) Discussion. What are the factors driving the need for this goal? What actionshave we already taken in trying to resolve this problem area? What key challenges and obstacles can we expect in achieving this goal? What concerns or issues will remain unresolved even if the goal is achieved? Action Plan. What specific tasks will we need to accomplish in order to achieve the goal, and when will we complete them? These "action steps" are the fundamental building blocks in defining and scoping the work program, and in monitoring our progress in accomplishing the goal over the next two years. Responsible Department. Who is accountable for getting it done? Financial and Staff Resources Required to Achieve the Goal. What will it take to achieve the goal? Do we need to add resources (staffing, contract services, capital improvement plan project) to do this? Outcome: Final Work Product. What will we get if we achieve the goal? What's the "deliverable?" Goal-Setting Framework Based on our experience over the past years, we plan to use an outside facilitator for the forum and goal-setting workshop. This allows all Council members to participate fully in the process, and allows staff to devote our efforts to listening and learning. Because of his familiarity with the City and our goal-setting process, we plan to again use Don Maruska as the facilitator for this process. As noted above, we will present a detailed approach for the forum and goal-setting workshop to the Council on December 12, 2006. In the interim, provided in Attachment 3 is a summary of the goal-setting process we used two years ago along with the contents of the workbooks we put together for this. While there will undoubtedly be changes to this for 2007-09, these background materials provide a good starting point for the process we envision. (As noted above, one area for likely change is the "breakout" sessions.) Council Advisory Body Participation Consistent with past Council direction, the advisory bodies will again play an important role in the goal-setting process by providing the Council with their recommended goals for 2007-09. We have already given the advisory body chairs a "heads-up" on this process at their July 13, 2006 quarterly meeting with the Mayor; and support staff liaisons are beginning to work with the Chairs in scheduling time for this purpose at upcoming advisory body meetings. i Goal-Setting and Financial Plan Schedule for 2007-09 Page 6 SUMMARY Importance of Goal-Setting in Good Times and Bad We will not go into 2007-09 Financial Plan process facing the same fiscal challenges that we have in the two prior Financial Plans. With the expenditure cuts we have made beginning in 2003, we have achieved"structural budget balance" for the Iona-term. However, fiscal balance is not the same thing as "service balance." And this will be the question before the voters as they consider the revenue ballot measure: are the resulting service cuts we have made in balancing our budget — like a 67% reduction in street paving— an acceptable level of service for the community in the long run? In short, the issue facing voters in November 2006 is not about a t/2-cent or the City's budget: it's about our future and what kind of community we want to be. In summary, regardless of our specific fiscal circumstances and whether the revenue measure passes or fails in November, we still need an effective process for setting goals for the most important, highest priority things for us to do in the next two years. And this is the essence of the budget process: of all the things we want to do in making our community a good place to live, work and play, which are the most important? And what are the difficult resource trade-offs we have to make to do them? On one hand, the specific answers to these questions — and the difficulty in arriving at these answers—are likely to vary depending upon our fiscal circumstances. However, the need to raise these questions — and to use a process where the community and elected leadership can meaningfully participate in crafting answers to them—is the same in both good times and bad. ATTACHMENTS 1. 2007-09 Financial Plan Schedule 2. Goal-Setting and Budget Process Schematic 3. Background Materials from Two Years Ago (2005-07 Financial Plan) G:Fntance/Budget Folders/Financial Plans/2007-09 Financial Plan/Council Goal-Setting/Council Agenda Reports/Financial Plan Schedule,8-15-06 2007-09 Financial Pian Calendar Attachment 1 July 13,2006 CAO . Briefs advisory body chairs on their role in the goal-setting and budget process at quarterly meeting with the Mayor. August 15,2006 Council • Approves Financial Plan process and schedule. October 12,2006 CAO . Updates advisory body chairs on the goal-setting process. November 1,2006 Advisory Bodies . Provide recommended goals to Finance. Finance • Begins sending letters inviting participation in goal-setting process to community groups and interested individuals;and begins inserting Community Budget Bulletins in utility bills. November 15,2006 Finance • Distributes consolidated listing of draft recommended goals to advisory bodies for their review. November 16 2006 Council • Holds workshop on the status of General Plan and programs; long-term Special Workshop capital improvement plan(CIP);status of Major City Goals,objectives 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM and CIP projects;and general fiscal outlook. December 12,2006 Council • Finalizes goal-setting process;considers Financial Plan policies and Special Workshop organization;reviews audited financial results for 2005-06;and 7.00 to 10:00 PM discusses results of General Fund five-year fiscal forecast. December 28,2006 Finance • Receives written comments from community groups and interested individuals,and any changes in goals from advisory bodies. January 10,2007 Council • Holds community forum at the Ludwick Community Center. Special Workshop 6.30 to 9:30 PM January 27,2007 Council • Holds goal-setting workshop:discusses candidate goals presented at Special Workshop January 10 community forum;discusses Council member goals 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM distributed on January 24;prioritizes and sets major City goals. February 6,2007 Council o Finalizes goals and priorities(if needed). February 20,2007 Council o Considers mid-year budget review. March 12,2007 Departments • Submit budget requests and major City goal work programs. April 10,2007 Council • Approves detailed work programs for Major City Goals. Special Workshop • Sets strategic budget direction in preparing Preliminary Financial Plan. 7:00 to 10:00 PM April to Mid-May Budget Review . Analyze department budget requests;hold briefings with departments; Team,Finance prepare revenue estimates;make recommendations to the CAO. May 17,2007 CAO e Finalizes budget recommendations and issues preliminary budget. May 24,29,31,2007 Council o Holds evening workshops to review and discuss Preliminary Budget: Special Workshops — May 24: Overview and General Fund operating programs. Preliminary Budget — May 29: General Fund CII'projects. 7.00 to 10.00 PM — May 31:Enterprise Fund programs,CIP projects and rates. May 23,2007 Planning a Reviews CIP for General Plan consistency. Commission June 5,19,2007 Council . Holds continued Financial Plan reviews and adopts budget. Key Council Dates in Bold Attachment 2 Goal-Setting and. the Budget Process 2007-09 Financial Plan Advisory Bodies Letters from Community Groups Community Surveys Letters from Individuals Goal-Setting Input ARUM Fiscal Forecast ** Current 2-Year Long-Term Plans, Goals * Goals & Policies * November 16. 2006 Council Goal-Setting **December 12, 2006 "Setting the Table" Workshop "Budget Foundations Budget Workshop January 27, 2007 Workshop Staff Budget Preparation 1 Major City Goal Work Programs & Strategic Budget Direction: April 10 Preliminary Budget: May 17 Budget Workshops: May 24, 299 31, June 5 Adopted Budget: June 19, 2007 city of san lues oBispo Background Materials: Goal-Setting Process Two Years Ago Attachment 3 BACKGROUND MATERIALS Goal-Setting Process Two Years Ago (200507 Financial Plan) A. Goal-Setting Workbook: Table of Contents B. Outline for Community Forum C. Outline for Council Goal-Setting Workshop D. Suggested Guidelines for Council Members During the Goal-Setting Process E. Council Member Candidate Major City Goals F. Criteria for Major City Goals Background Materials: Goal-Setting Process Two Years Ago Attachment-3 A. Goal-Setting Workbook TABLE OF • 1.Workshop Agendas 7.Status Reports from November 18,2004 Workshop January 12:Community Forum I A.Status of General Plan Implementation Programs January 29:Council Goal-Setting Workshop 3 Introduction A-1 2.Council Advisory Bodies Implementation Program Status by Element A-5 B.Long-Term Capital Improvement Plan(CIP) Introduction 1 Overview B-1 Architectural Review Commission 2 CIP Project Summary by Function B-4 Bicycle Committee 3 Railroad Historic Districtand Mid-Higuera Area B-13 Cultural Heritage Committee 4 Downtown Association 5 C.Status of 2003-05 Goals and Objectives Housing Authority 8 Introduction C-1 Human Relations Commission 9 Major City Goals C-4 Jack Residence Advisory Committee 10 Other Council Objectives C-20 Joint Recreational Use Committee 11 Mass Transportation Committee 12 D.Status of Current CIP Projects Parks and Recreation Commission 13 Introduction D-1 Planning Commission 14 Status Report:Major CII'Projects D-5 Promotional Coordinating Committee 15 Status Report: All CIP Projects D-6 Tree Committee 16 8.Goal-Setting Process for 2005-07 3.Community Budget Bulletin December 14,2004 Council Agenda Report Items received after January 4 will be distributed as they are received. Goal-Setting Process for 2005-07 1 Overview 1 Responses 2 9. Fiscal Outlook: December 14,2004 Forecast 4.Community Groups/Others Five-Year General Fund Fiscal Forecast: 2005-10 1 Items received after January 4 will be distributed as they are received 10.Results from August 2003 Citizen Survey John Dunn I Public Opinion Survey by Fairbank,Maslin, Anne Cruikshanks 3 Maullin&Associates:August 2003 1 John and Judy Shakley 4 San Luis Obispo County Bicycle Coalition 5 11.Other Background Information San Luis Obispo Railroad Museum 7 Don Dollar g 2005-07 Financial Plan Schedule I San Luis Obispo Chamber of Commerce 9 Goal-Setting and the Budget Process 2 Residents for Quality Neighborhoods I 1 Budget Process Overview 3 Rick Griswold 18 Budget-in-Brief:2004-05 4 EcoSlo 19 Financial Plan Policies 8 Jean Anderson 21 Public Notification San Luis Obispo Arts Council 23 Display Ads 28 News Release 29 5. Results from Community Forum Notice to Community Groups 30 Community Budget Bulletin and Survey 31 To be distributed on January 18 Memorandum to Advisory Bodies 33 Council Requested Reminders for Goal Setting 35 6.Council Member Goals To be distributed on January 25 12. Notes and Other Materials Provides the Council with a place for notes and other supplemental materials received by them.. �d Background Materials: Goal-Setting Process Two Years Ago Attachment 3 B. Community Forum 6:30 PM to 9:30 PM, Wednesday, January 12, 2005 Ludwick Community Center 6:30 Welcome Mayor 6:35 Process,Current Goals and Fiscal Outlook CAO 7:00 Public Comment—Members of public who desire to speak complete public comment card indicating topic. Mayor calls upon a speaker and identifies topic. Department Head in the budget area for the topic steps up to write the idea on a flip chart sheet and then posts it in the budget discussion area. 8:10 Group Discussions by Budget Topics – 1) Department - • - Heads and staff facilitate-a discussion of proposed goals in As noted in the agenda their respective areas, 2) City staff discusses links with report, we are likely to current programs, and 3) participants explore alternatives modify this approach for and potential funding possibilities. 2007-09. The Council . 8:40 Brief Report from Each Group(with individual comments will finalize the process where desired for clarification) on December 12, 2006. 9:10 Participants Vote on Top Priorities with Dots 9:20 Participants Complete Summary Feedback Form(which includes potential revenue enhancements and expense reductions) 9:30 Participation Prizes and Close Preparation • Prepare handouts on budget process and fiscal forecast to expedite review. • Provide poster boards for each of the major budget categories with current and continuing program activities and budget allocations. • Set up the room with a gathering area for each of the budget categories. • Assign staff members to facilitate group discussions. • Provide 5 adhesive dots per attendee • Prepare summary feedback form for attendees to note suggested priorities and recommendations. • Give participants coupons for final prize drawings(City t-shirts, mugs,etc.)to reward those who stay to discuss issues with their neighbors. Outline of Summary Feedback Form • Identify desired level of attention (less, same, or more)for budget categories • Indicate which revenue increases, if any, deserve further consideration • Identify potential areas to consider expense reductions,if needed, to balance the budget. I I Background Materials: Goal-Setting Process Two Years Ago Attachment 3 C. Council Goal-Setting Workshop 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM Saturday, January 29, 2005 City-County Library Community Room 8:30-9:00 a.rrL Refreshments 9:00 9:05 a.m. Welcome and Introductions Mayor 9:05 -9:10 a.m. Purpose,Process &Guidelines Facilitator 9:10—Noon Review Goals by Category Council Discuss Relationship of Goals to Current Activities Formulate and Select Candidate Goals Discuss Revenue Enhancement or Service Reduction Possibilities [staff writes candidate goals on flip charts] Noon— 12:15 p.m. [Council may accept further comments from the public that have not been previously presented] 12:15— 1:15 Lunch Break [staff compiles candidate goals] 1:15 -2:15 p.m. Discuss and Weight the Goals Council Clarify Goal Statements Each Member Prepares a Written Ballot Ranking the Goals 2:15 -3:15 p.rrL Tabulate Results Staff 3:50-4:00 p.m. Review and Identify Major City Goals Council 4:00-4:30 p.m. Discuss Next Steps Council/Staff Preparation • Staff compiles and distributes composite list of candidate goals to Council members • Staff prepares a template for Council ballot sheet • Assign staff to record goal statements as Council formulates them i Background Materials: Goal-Setting Process Two Years Ago Attachment 3 D. Suggested Guidelines for Council Members During the Goal-Setting Process 1. Encourage advisory boards, community groups and citizens to submit written comments about desired goals. 2. Invite citizens to participate in Community Forum and to listen and learn from their neighbors. 3. Receive comments from community and acknowledge their input without prematurely expressing your point of view. 4. Assure the community that you are willing to listen openly to all perspectives. 5. Focus your submission of suggested goals on a short list of key priorities to target City resources. 6. Avoid publicizing your submission of suggested goals. Let staff compile your submissions verbatim into a composite list of goals by category without identification of who made each suggestion. This enables you to see the whole picture. 7. Give yourself flexibility by not publicly staking positions in advance of the January 29, 2005 Council Goal-Setting Workshop. 8. Use this process as a way to learn from citizens and Council colleagues about what's important. 9. Explore areas where the Council can come together for positive action. 10. Recognize that this is an important step, but only the first step, in the planning and budgeting for the next two years. Background Materials: Goal-Setting Process Two Years Ago Attachment 3 E. Council Member Candidate Major City Goals Please write up to 7 candidates for Major City Goals below and submit them to Bill Statler by Friday, January 21, 2005. He will then compile a verbatim, composite list by topic without identifying who submitted the particular statements, and distribute the consolidated results to you by Tuesday,January 25,2005. (Electronic versions of this form will be provided to you.) Please refrain from releasing your personal list so that each Council member has flexibility to review all of the submissions and discuss them at the Council Goal-Setting Workshop before staking a position. O 4 4 O O 1 Background Materials: Goal-Setting Process Two Years Ago Attachment 3 Possible Measures to Achieve the Goals and Balance the Budget Potential Revenue Enhancements for Further Consideration. Please list any revenue enhancement opportunities (fee increases, tax measures, etc.) that you would like the Council to discuss at the January 29, 2005 goal-setting workshop. Potential General Fund Service Reductions for Further Consideration. In the event that expense reductions become necessary to balance the budget, in which areas would you like the staff to assess the possibilities? Please check off any that you'd like considered. Public Safety Community Development ❑ Neighborhood and Crime Prevention ❑ Planning: Development Review: ❑ Police Investigations ❑ Planning: Long-Range Planning ❑ Police Traffic Safety ❑ Building and Safety ❑ Police Patrol ❑ Engineering: Development Review ❑ Fire Emergency Response ❑ Engineering: Capital Projects ❑ Fire Hazard Prevention ❑ Natural Resource Protection ❑ Disaster Preparedness ❑ Community Promotion Transportation ❑ Economic Development ❑ Transportation Planning General Government ❑ Pavement Maintenance ❑ General Administration ❑ Sidewalks ❑ Human Resources/Risk Management ❑ Traffic Signals and Signs ❑ Financial Management ❑ Street Lights ❑ Information Technology ❑ Creek and Flood Protection ❑ Building Maintenance Leisure, Cultural & Social Services ❑ Fleet Management ❑ Recreation Programs Other Services ❑ Park Maintenance ❑ ❑ Swim Center ❑ ❑ Trees ❑ ❑ Cultural Services ❑ ❑ Social Services ❑ �s Background Materials: Goal-Setting Process Two Years Ago Attachment 3 F. Criteria for Major City Goals 1. Be legitimate to our genuine beliefs (real, supported). 2. Agreed upon by a Council majority. 3. Focused in number for comprehension, communication and focus. 4. Set forth in one document—the Financial Plan. 5. Be clear and understandable. 6. Established as a high priority and a real commitment. 7. Reflect major goals that cannot be achieved without Council support. 8. Translated into the objectives of employees at all levels of the organization. 9. Created within a supportive atmosphere where participants are not afraid to state their suggestions for improving goals or objectives. 10. Reflect genuine consensus: while unanimous agreement is not required, they should be accepted to the point where resistance to them is reduced or eliminated. council °°° pis 6� j acEnoa Repout �H � CITY OF SAN LUIS O B I S P O FROM- Jay Walter, Director of Public Wor Prepared By: Peggy Mandeville, Pn ' al Transportation Planner SUBJECT: RESPONSE TO GRAND JURY REPORT ON BICYCLE RIDING IN SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY CAO RECOMMENDATION Direct the City Administrative Officer to prepare a letter of response to the report as outlined in the Discussion section of this report. DISCUSSION Earlier this year, the San Luis Obispo County Grand Jury issued a report that analyzed issues associated with bicycle riding in San Luis Obispo County(see Attachment 1). The report focused on bicycle riding County-wide however, there were some issues identified that might affect the City of San Luis Obispo. The report requires that comment on Findings 1, 2, 3, & 5 and Recommendations 1 & 3 be submitted by the San Luis Obispo City Council and Police Department. The Police Department submitted a response (see Attachment 2) on July 9, 2006. On August 1, 2006 the City of San Luis Obispo Bicycle Advisory Committee(BAC) submitted a letter to the City Council (see Attachment 3) providing their recommended responses to the report. Staff has evaluated the report, the responses provided by the Police Department and the responses recommended by the BAC. Staff submits the following response for Council consideration: Finding 1: Bicyclists are required to obey all traffic laws. Every person riding a bike on a street or highway has all the rights and is subject to all the rules applicable to the driver of a motor vehicle (Vehicle Code 21200). The City agrees with this finding. Finding 2: Law enforcement agencies set higher priority on enforcement of motorized traffic. There are so many more cars than Bicycles, and the consequences of a traffic accident while driving a car are likely to be significantly more serious than those.involving a bicycle. As noted in the Police Department response, the City does not prioritize enforcement by the mode of transportation. Prioritization is based on the level of urgency and availability of officers to respond. Response to Grand Jury Report on Bicycling Page 2 Finding 3: Testimony revealed substantial state funding cuts have forced SLO Police Department to reduce traffic enforcement by 40% in recent years. The funding cuts have impacted the County Sheriffs Department as well. The City agrees with this finding. As noted in the Police Department response, in order to balance the City budget after losing millions of dollars to State takeaways, the City has had to eliminate three swom positions in the Police Department, including one traffic motorcycle officer and one patrol officer, which has resulted in a 20%-40% reduction in traffic enforcement capabilities at any given time. Finding S: There was unanimous agreement among local cycling club members and cyclists interviewed that too many cyclists fail to follow basic Vehicle Code regulations. Cycling groups from the League ofAmerican Bicyclists to SLO Bike Club encourage tough enforcement of traffic laws for cycling violations. The City agrees with this finding. Recommendation 1: Working with local cycling groups and the Bicycle Advisory Committee, law enforcement agencies and San Luis Obispo County should generously support the countywide implementation of the "BikeED" program or similar bicycle safety training program. Support may be monetary, venue provision, advertising, staff assistance, etc. or other in-kind services. The City Bicycle Advisory Committee (BAC) recommends that Council implement this measure by providing funding to establish the County Rideshare Office as the Center for bicycle safety education; assisting Rideshare in providing a permanent venue, funds to purchase equipment, and funds for advertising; encouraging law enforcement official and supervisors to attend the classroom segment of the "BikeEd" program; and offering "BikeEd" classes as an alternative option to dismiss bicycle related traffic violations or collisions. The City currently supports the local "BikeEd"program administered by the American League of Cyclists (see Attachment 4). The program has recently expanded their number of local instructors (several who are also BAC members) and the City has offered to: 1) Provide information about the bicycle safety training program on the City's web site and on the City's public access television station Channel 20; 2) Display brochures about the program at our public offices; and 3) Provide City bicycle maps to participants of the program. The City also contracts with SLO Regional Rideshare to assist the City with bicycle related promotional and educational services. Additionally, later this month the City is hosting a training session conducted by the Bicycle Coalition and American League of Bicyclists for law enforcement officers throughout the County. Finally, the City has collaborated with SLO Regional Rideshare and the SLO County Bicycle Coalition to offer bicycle safety training through the City's Parks and Recreation Department after-school and Summer Adventure Camp programs. Staff concurs with the BAC's recommendations with the exception of assisting in funding Rideshare as the Center for bicycle safety education. The City currently supports SLO Regional Rideshare through the efforts listed above while maintaining control over how the City's money � -z Response to Grand Jury Report on Bicycling Page 3 is spent on traffic safety issues. The marketing contract arrangement has been in place with Rideshare since 2003. Rideshare's Bicycle Coordinator position has been vacant on several occasions during this time resulting in an inability for Rideshare to provide all the contract .services requested by the City. The City was able to hire,another organization, the SLO County Bicycle Coalition, to provide the bicycle related services when SLO Regional Rideshare could not do so. Similarly, if traffic safety marketing issues arise, the City can identify the most appropriate entity(including itself) to perform the recommended functions. Recommendation 3: Law enforcement agencies should implement target enforcement programs aimed at improving cyclist compliance with traffic regulations to insure public safety. As noted in the Police Department response, the City currently complies with this recommendation. Staff supports the BAC recommendation to allow a "traffic school" option for bicycle related violators if approved by the court system. CONCURRENCES The City's Police Department has reviewed this report and concurs with its recommendations. FISCAL IMPACT There is no fiscal impact to the General Fund as part of this issue. Staff is not recommending that additional funding be allocated to bicycle safety at this time. The City currently sets aside 2% of its Transportation Development Act (TDA) funds (approximately $17,000 annually) for promotional and educational activities associated with walking and bicycling. ALTERNATIVES The City could assist in funding SLO Regional Rideshare as the center for bicycle safety education. If the Council supports this option, staff recommends that Council determine the actual funding amount as part of the next two-year financial planning process. ATTACHMENTS 1. Grand Jury Report on Bicycle Riding in San Luis Obispo County 2. Police Department's Response to Grand Jury Report 3. Bicycle Advisory Committee Response to Grand Jury Report 4. American League of Cyclists Course Descriptions G:\Staff-Reports-Agendas-Minutes\_CAR\2006\Transportation\Grand Jury Report on Bicycling.DOC ATTACHMENT I BICYCLE RIDING IN.SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY "Sharing the Road" The bicycle is the most common form of mechanical transportation in the world. It is recognized as a form of efficient, clean and quiet transportation. In many countries like Denmark, the Netherlands and China, bicycle commuters far outnumber motor driven commuters; worldwide, bicycling is second only to walking as the dominant means of transportation. The modern multi-speed bicycle was invented in the 1890s. The bicycle became so popular that the first paved streets and roads in this country were designed for the bicycle. Shortly after the introduction of the multi-speed bike, the horseless carriage rolled onto the scene. As the early automobile made its way onto urbanstreets and country roads, the bike vs. car tension began. A new issue emerged: Can the bicycle and the automobile safely exist together in harmony? Today in the US, as the automobile dominates the roadways, the tension is greater than ever, and there is still the issue of safety. ORIGIN The Grand Jury feels an inquiry into the safety of bicycle use in San Luis Obispo (SLO) County is warranted. After observing numerous bicyclists failing to follow basic traffic laws, members of the Grand Jury were concerned about the safety of cyclists in the County. AUTHORITY California Penal Code 025 states: "The grand jury shall investigate and report on the operations, accounts, and records of the officers, departments, or functions of the county including those operations, accounts, and records of any special legislative district or other district in the county created pursuant to state law for which the officers of the county are serving in their ex officio capacity as officers of the districts. METHOD The Grand Jury's research included: e Interviews with local law enforcement agencies and the California Highway Patrol Pg. 1 of 12 // anacrrr e Interviews with a local cycling club and cycling advocates s An interview with a representative of the San Luis Obispo County Bicycle Advisory Committee e An interview with a representative from the San Luis Obispo County Bike Coalition e Interviews with San Luis Obispo County Public Works staff e Review of the California Vehicle Code Sections covering bicycle operation e Review of statistics in San Luis Obispo County regarding fatalities, injuries and personal property damage related to bicycle accidents e Review of League of American Bicyclists `BikeEd' bicycle safety course e Review of funding sources for bicycle safety programs and infrastructure e Review of the Federal Highway Administration Safe.Routes to School Program NARRATIVE San Luis Obispo County is one of the premier bicycling areas in California. The county's weather, gorgeous scenery, rolling terrain, and relatively low automobile traffic volume attract cyclists from all over the state and the country. Share the Road— For over a century, motorists and bicyclists have vied for the finite amount of space on roads and streets. The automobile has replaced the bicycle as the dominant means of transportation in this country. Yet the efficient, flexible and environmentally sound bicycle continues to fight for its place on public streets and roads. Some motorists perceive the streets and highways as conduits for motorized traffic, and see cyclists as an impediment. On the other hand, some cyclists defend their intrinsic right to use the roadways but believe compliance with some traffic laws is only meant for motorized traffic. Both sides of this debate complain.that it slows them down. According to the Federal Energy Information Administration, nearly 63% of the oil we consume is to power cars and trucks. In an effort to reduce oil consumption, government agencies and environmental and transportation experts encourage the adoption of transportation alternatives. Bicycles are praised as a culturally and environmentally healthy mode of transport. Pg. 2 of 12 ATTACHMENT Bicycle use will continue to grow as an integral component of our future transportation system. The automobile culture will encounter many more bicycles on the streets and roads (keep in mind that over 95%of cyclists also drive cars). Retail bicycle sales have seen a modest increase in the past two years. Sales of large automobiles are down substantially, and small, fuel-efficient car sales are booming. The key to coexistence is learning to share the road legally and respectfully. Bicycle Accident Statistics — Following is a table displaying the bicycle-related accident statistics in the unincorporated areas of the County. The data source for the table is page six of the 2005, County Bikeways Plan. Bicycle-Related Accident Statistics in Unincorporated Areas of SLO County Bike at Bike at Auto at Auto at Other 5-Year Accidents Fatalities Fault Fault Fault Fault Fault Blocks* # # 2000-2004 65 31 48 25 38 14 0 1995-1999 82 54 66 21 26 8 2 1990-1994 128 102 80 23 18 2 2 #=Number %=Percent "No figures for 2005 available. Analysis of the table, Bicycle-Related Accident Statistics, indicates that the number of bicycle accidents has declined 49% in the last 15 years. The statistics for accident responsibility reveal that cyclist fault dropped by nearly 70%while automobile fault increased 8%. Based upon complete data from the 15-year period from 1990 through 2004, there is a strong trend toward increased bicycling safety. The data show a steady and draniatic decline in cycling accidents and cyclist-caused accidents in the last fifteen years. Whether the reduction is a result of improved safety education, more effective regulation or public awareness, cycling is safer today than 15 years ago. Pg. 3 of 12 ` ATTACHMENT Education — Few of us can forget the joy in receiving our first bicycle. Yet, how many of us remember being taught our new bike was a vehicle; and we had the same rights and responsibilities as any motorist behind the wheel of a car? How many of us were told the new bike was not a toy but a mode of transportation? Most our parents told us to stay out of the way of cars and stop at stop signs. Today, many Americans still see cycling as a means of recreation rather than serious transportation. The League of American Bicyclists (founded as the League of American Wheelmen in 1880) offers a series of comprehensive cycling safety courses for every skill-level and age of rider. This series of courses (BikeEd)provides bicyclists and motorists alike with the essentials for safe cycling. The San Luis Obispo Bicycling Club (SLOBC) offers this quality training to the public at no cost. For years, the SLOBC has been providing free helmets to juvenile riders as another commitment to safe cycling. The San Luis Obispo Bike Coalition offers additional bicycling safety training. The SLO Bike Coalition is an organization of cycling advocates and a variety of bike-friendly, local businesses that promote increased walking and bicycling for daily transportation and recreation. Every two months the Bike Coalition teaches a safety course for experienced cyclists. Ideally, teaching safe bicycling must start with elementary school age children. Children must be taught that when bicycles are ridden on streets and roads, they are vehicles not toys. Some local schools in the county allow a child to ride a bike to school only after the child first passes an annual "bicycle safety test." Some schools offer "bike rodeos" which test the young participants' bike handling skills. Unlike `BikeEd," the programs fail to teach essential bicycle safety and the concept of"being visible, predictable, and legal"to young cyclists. The benefits-of vehicle safety training can be remarkable: For example, in 1988, California implemented a mandatory motorcyclist safety-training program. In the first nine years of the training program, California saw a 67% drop in motorcycle crashes and a 69% drop in motorcycle crash fatalities. California and national highway safety experts credit this pre- Pg. 4 of 12 6 - 7 ITTACHMENT licensing safety-training program and mandatory helmet laws as the basis for the major reduction in motorcycle fatalities. Bicycle clubs and coalitions are working constantly to educate cyclists to be safe riders. Judging from data presented in the Bicycle-Related Accident Statistics table, these groups appear to be meeting with some success. Enforcement — Bicyclists, like motorists, are required to obey all traffic laws. Every person riding a bike on a street or highway has all the rights, and is subject to all the rules applicable to the driver of a motor vehicle (Vehicle Code 21200). This means stopping at stop signs and traffic lights, signaling before turning, staying far to the right as a slower vehicle, etc. Bicycles ridden at night are required to have reflectors and ample lighting. Smart night-riders go beyond what is required, by wearing reflective clothing and ensuring they are readily visible front, back and sides. Ask almost any motorist if he or she has seen a cyclist disregard a traffic law and you'll likely get a positive response. Ask almost any cyclist the same question, substituting car for cyclist, and you'll get the same response. The Grand Jury heard testimony from law enforcement personnel, bicycle advocates, local bike club members and motorists. All agreed: numerous cyclists disregard the traffic laws to a degree that creates a hazard for them and, to a lesser extent, motorists. The most common traffic citations issued to cyclists in the City of San Luis Obispo are (1) running stop signs and traffic lights, (2)no helmet, (3)riding on sidewalks and(4) wearing earphones. Interviews revealed enforcement of traffic laws with regard to cyclists is not a top priority for local law enforcement agencies or the California Highway Patrol (CHP). Limited law enforcement staffing is the biggest obstacle to enforcing of traffic laws regarding cyclists. The limited supply of traffic officers cannot meet the enforcement demands of cyclists and motorists. As a result of recent state budget cuts, local law enforcement agencies have had to reestablish enforcement priorities. Pg. 5 of 12 / .TTACHMENT . To the ire of many motorists and frustration of many cyclists, automobile traffic consumes most of the traffic-related law enforcement. There is good rationale behind prioritizing traffic enforcement on cars rather than bicycles. If an auto runs a red light or a stop sign, causing an accident, the odds are the accident is more likely to result in multiple injuries and major property damage.. On the other hand, if a cyclist runs a red light, and an accident occurs, it is likely the only injury is to the cyclist. On occasion, in response to citizen complaints, the City of San Luis Obispo has targeted cyclists for increased traffic enforcement.. The result was a minor increase in bicycle compliance coupled with a major increase in complaints, from both cyclists and motorists, that the police were ignoring motorist violations and unfairly targeting cyclists. For the City of San Luis Obispo,it was a `no-win' exercise. Engineering the Infrastructure — Currently, the County of San Luis Obispo owns and maintains over 100 miles of bikeways. Since 1992, over 50 miles of bikeways have been added to the county's inventory of bike routes. Maintenance of bike lanes typically consists of sweeping road debris (broken glass, rock, sand, etc.) from the bike lanes and surface repair (potholes, washouts, cracks, etc.). Bike lane maintenance is either done on a scheduled or an as-needed basis. To the cycling community, bike lane maintenance is absolutely critical in providing and sustaining a safe and viable bike route. Broken glass, debris and road surface irregularities can cause a bike rider a flat tire or a serious fall. If a bikeway is littered with debris or is too rutted or cracked for safe bike handling, the cyclist is forced to ride in the traffic lane (legal for cyclists in cases like this), which can be dangerous for both motorists and cyclists. Bikeway maintenance is most often mentioned in complaints and lists of cycling community needs. Clean, well-maintained bikeways are essential to safe bicycling. Providing enough shoulder width for bike lanes on rural roads is not always possible. In cases where there is no shoulder or where road conditions make a bikeway impractical (gravel surfaced roads), cyclists have little or no separation from traffic lanes. Bike lanes are typically marked Pg. 6 of 12 � -9 .�_ "I'�ACHMENT with a stenciled bicycle, and often streets and roads have signage cautioning motorists of cyclist presence. Signage is needed on all roads without bikeways, warning both cyclists and motorists to use caution and share the road. Each year, local bicycle clubs and cycling advocates provide the County with a list of issues that concern the cycling community. That list, "Unmet Bike Needs," consists of infrastructure projects and maintenance-needs which local cyclists identify as important to safe bicycling. Of the 34 items on the current list of cycling needs, nearly half are maintenance issues. The remainder is requests for bikeways, or portions thereof, to be constructed between communities or areas of concentrated population activities. The County currently has a list of 109 bikeway projects to be constructed, most of which have been on past cycling needs lists. The County Public Works Department and the San Luis Obispo Bicycle Advisory Committee (a SLO City cyclist advisory group) meet on a quarterly basis to review cycling-related issues, including progress on the "Unmet Bike Needs" list. The Bicycle Advisory Committee provides oversight and policy direction on matters related to bicycle transportation in San Luis Obispo and its relationship to bicycling outside the city. Funding and Promotion—The Grand Jury examined a number of legislative bills, regulations, and programs that provide funding or support for bicycle use. According to the 2005 County Bikeways Plan funding sources include: e State gasoline taxes—This is a source of revenue that is expected to decline over time as more fuel-efficient cars are used and as a result of state budget shortfalls. e General Fund — Not a reliable source as expenditures in other areas of government increase. e Local sales tax and assessment districts—Not reliable, as both require public support for tax increases and assessments. o Transportation le 'sg la ation — The California legislature provides a moderate level of funding for traffic projects throughout the state. Grant funding includes money for Pg. 7 of 12 / �CTACHMENT _ transportation, traffic safety, and bikeways projects. However, obtaining these grants is a highly competitive process. An example of a transportation legislation program is the Bicycle Transportation Account (BTA). The 2006-07 BTA program provides approximately $5 million for bicycle projects. Local agencies can only submit one application and compete on a statewide basis for these funds. Competition for BTA funds is significant. In 2001 the State of California received over$29 million in requests for BTA funding, but only 25% of those requests could be funded. e Air quality miti atg ion — California and county coalitions provide a moderate level of grant funding for alternative transportation and clean air projects. In southern SLO County, an air quality impact fee is administered by a coalition of county agencies. The fee generates revenues to support transit improvements, park-and-ride lots and bicycle facilities. e Clean Air and Transportation Act — In 1990 an initiative ballot measure to fund a variety of alternative transportation projects, including bikeways. The SLO County region received$10 million to divide among the county and the seven incorporated cities. The voters have defeated subsequent similar bond measures, so it is unclear whether there is a reliable future in this type of funding. e Development impact fees and developer extractions—Both of these funding approaches rely on new development but only to the extent of mitigating the impacts of development. New development can only be charged for the impacts it creates, not for correcting any existing deficiency. When construction and need for new roadways are triggered by development,the developer is required to construct the roadways and bikeway facilities. e Parks, trails and user fees — Meant to directly assess users; this funding source has not been successful. Bicycle registration and use fees have, for the most part, not been successful because of enforcement difficulties. Pg. 8 of 12 // ATTACHMENT Safe Routes to Schools — The once common sight of children walking or riding bicycles to school has all but vanished in many communities. The Federal Highway Administration offers these statistics: up to 25 percent of morning commutes consists of parents driving children to school. Fewer than 15 percent of all school trips are made by walking or bicycling, one-quarter are made on a school bus, and over half of all children arrive at school in private automobiles. According to the California Dept. of Health Services, pedestrian/auto accidents are the second leading cause of fatal injuries among 5-12 year-olds; bicycle crashes are fifth. Children and seniors are at greatest risk of injury as pedestrians and cyclists. Traffic experts list two fundamental reasons: (1) unsafe traffic speeds and (2) inadequate or no sidewalks or bikeways. The purpose of the Federal Safe Routes to School Program (SRS) is to address these issues head on, with the support of the California Department of Health Services, CHP and the California Bicycle Coalition The SRS program, administered by the CHP and Department.of Transportation, grants the state the authority, "...to use federal transportation funds for the construction of bicycle and pedestrian safety and traffic calming projects.." With transportation funding available specifically for this purpose, many communities all across California are implementing.SRS projects. Both Canada and England have seen remarkable success in the implementation of SRS. The installation of bike lanes, raised pedestrian crossings, and traffic calming have cut traffic speeds considerably, making conditions much safer for pedestrians and cyclists. Bicycle use tripled in two years and bike parking capacity doubled. Reduced residential zone speeds (now 20 mph) resulting in a 70% reduction in child pedestrian injuries and a nearly 30% reduction in child bicycling causalities. FINDINGS Finding 1: Bicyclists are required to obey all traffic laws. Every person riding a bike on a street or highway has all the rights and is subject to all the rules applicable to the driver of a motor vehicle. (Vehicle Code 21200) Pg. 9 of 12 ATTACHMENT Finding 2: Law enforcement agencies set higher priority on enforcement of motorized traffic.. There are.so many more cars than bicycles, and the consequences of a traffic accident while driving a car are likely to be significantly more serious than those involving a bicycle. Finding 3: Testimony revealed substantial state funding cuts have forced the SLO Police Department to reduce traffic enforcement by 40% in recent years. The funding cuts have impacted the County Sheriff's Department as well. (The CHP is required to enforce traffic laws on unincorporated roads as well as state highways.) Finding 4: Providing enough shoulder width for bike lanes on rural roads is not always possible. There is too little signage on roads without bikeways, warning both cyclists and motorists to use caution and share the road. Finding 5: There was unanimous agreement among local cycling club members and cyclists interviewed that too many cyclists fail to follow basic Vehicle Code regulations. Cycling groups from the League of American Bicyclists to SLO Bike Club encourage tough enforcement of traffic laws for cycling violations. Finding 6: Although there is real need for bike safety programs for all cyclists, there are a limited number of bicycle safety programs in SLO County. Finding 7`. There is an ongoing need for additional bikeways and maintenance of existing bikeways. Although there are a number of funding sources for bikeways and safe cycling projects, development of cycling and pedestrian friendly infrastructure is expensive. The competition for these funds is fierce. RECOMMENDATIONS Recommendation 1: Working with local cycling groups and the Bicycle Advisory Committee, local law enforcement agencies and San Luis Obispo County should generously support the countywide implementation of the `BikeEd"program or similar bicycle safety training program. Support may be monetary, venue provision, advertising, staff assistance, etc. or other in-kind services. (Findings 1, 5 & 6) Pg. 10 of 12 / �a,j ATTACHMENT 1. Recommendation 2: The County should continue to actively seek funding for bikeways and bike and pedestrian safety construction projects and programs, such as the "Safe Routes to Schools"program. (Findings 6& 7) Recommendation 3: Law enforcement agencies should implement target enforcement programs aimed at improving cyclist compliance with traffic regulations to insure public safety. (Findings 1, 2, 3 & 5) Recommendation 4: Motorists and cyclists alike would travel safer if narrow, rural roads were marked with permanent signage warning both cyclists and motorists to use caution and share the road. (Finding 4) REQUIRED RESPONSES California Penal Code §933 requires that comment on the findings and recommendations in this report be submitted to the presiding judge of the Superior Court by the: The San Luis Obispo County Public Works Department: Due 7/21/06 (Findings 4 & 7 and Recommendations 1,2 & 4) The San Luis Obispo County Sheriffs Department: Due 7/21/06 (Findings 1,.2 & 5 and Recommendations 1 & 3) • The San Luis Obispo County Board of Supervisors: Due 8/23/06 (Findings 1,2,4,5 & 7 and Recommendations 1 through 4) • The San Luis Obispo City Police Department: Due 7/21/06 (Findings 1, 2,3 & 5 and Recommendations 1 & 3) • The San Luis Obispo City Council: Due 8/23/06 (Findings 1,2,3 & 5 and Recommendations 1 & 3) CONCLUSION Bicycling accident statistics indicate that bicyclists are riding safer today than they were 15 years ago. There is still a need for cyclist safety training and enforcement of traffic laws as they apply to the bicycle rider. Educating the bicyclist to ride safely and share the road with motorists Pg. 11 of 12 // ATTACHMENT J should start with youngsters. Teaching our children that bicycles are vehicles, to be operated accordingly, is the key to bicycle safety. The Grand Jury believes school districts should teach safe cycling, like the nationally certified "BikeEd" safety course, through the use of local resources like the San Luis Obispo Bicycle Club. The approach need not use additional classroom or staff time. Bike safety courses can be taught by League of American Bicyclists certified trainers during established physical education times in three to four classes per school year Furthermore, the Grand Jury encourages school districts to implement the local "Safe Routes to Schools" program in their respective communities. The daily ritual of parents delivering their children to school exposes children to the hazards of traffic, air pollution and a lack of physical activity. The SRS program includes the "Walk to School Day," funding for crossing guards, reducing traffic congestion, learning traffic safety skills, separating drop-off areas to protect children who walk or bike, and other useful ideas. The California Department of Health Services and the California Safe Routes to School Clearing House are the program contacts. Law enforcement agencies establish their enforcement priorities based on staffing levels. There is greater demand for enforcing traffic laws for motorists rather than for cyclists. Limited staffing is the biggest barrier to enforcement demands from both cyclists and motorists As the number of automobiles and bicycles increases, it is necessary for motorists and cyclists to practice tolerance and patience toward each other. Traffic jams and fuel prices can act as a catalyst for a new wave of cycling. Using a combination of education, enforcement and engineering increases awareness and improves infrastructure, allowing everyone to share the road. Pg. 12 of 12 / ATTACHMENT Z I � city of san luis oBspo POLICE DEPARTMENT 1042 Walnut St.,San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 •(805)781-7317 July 9, 2006 The Honorable Roger Picquet,Presiding Judge San Luis Obispo County Superior Court County Government Center San Luis Obispo, CA 93408 Re: 2005-2006 Grand Jury Report Bicycle Riding in San Luis Obispo County Dear Judge Picquet: In accordance with Penal Code §933(c), the following is the City of San Luis Obispo Police Department's response to the 2005-2006 Grand Jury Report titled`Bicycle Riding in San Luis Obispo County." The Police Department appreciates the work of the members of the Grand Jury on this report and their focus on the safety of bicyclists and motorists in our county. FINDINGS Finding 1: The Police Department agrees with the finding. Finding 2: The Police Department disagrees with the f nding. The San Luis Obispo Police Department does not prioritize enforcement of motor vehicle violations over bicycle violations. Calls for service, including emergency response to collisions and complaints about violations,are prioritized according to the level of urgency of the call and the availability of officers to respond. Within the City of San Luis Obispo,there is a significantly greater volume of cars than bicycles and therefore a proportionally greater volume of collisions, observed violations, and complaints about motor vehicle traffic. It is understandable that this' may create a perception that bicycle enforcement is made a lower priority that motor vehicle enforcement. In fact,when officers are not responding to calls for service, they pro-actively enforce many types of observed violations, including both bicycle and motor vehicle violations. Officers are not directed to prioritize one over the other. Finding 3: The Police Department agrees with the finding. Over the past three years, in order to balance the City budget after losing millions of dollars to State takeaways, the City of San Luis Obispo has had to eliminate three sworn positions in the Police Department; including one traffic motorcycle officer and one patrol officer(patrol officers "Service, Pride, Integrity" . The City of San Luis Obispo is committed to include the disabled in all of its services,programs and activities. Telecommunications Device for the Deaf(805)781-7410 ATTACHMENT 2 Grand Jury Report on Bicycle Riding in San Luis Obispo Page 2 also work traffic). Shortages on patrol have also necessitated the temporary transfer of traffic officers back to patrol. These cuts have resulted in the reduction of traffic motorcycle officers of between 20%and 40% at any given time. Fording 5: The Police Department agrees with the finding. It has been the experience of officers from the San Luis Obispo Police Department that too few bicyclists follow the law and comply with vehicle and municipal code requirements. However, the same is true for motor vehicle drivers. The Police department strives to balance enforcement efforts accordingly and to be fair and appropriate in our enforcement activities. RECONN ENDATIONS Recommendation 1: The recommendation has been implemented on an on-going basis in the City of San Luis Obispo. The Police Department supports bicycle safety education in various fomes. The Department conducts an elaborate Bicycle Safety Rodeo for children each year that includes bicycle safety checks, helmet fittings and give-aways,rider safety and rules of the road training, and instruction on the proper operation of a bicycle. The Police Department involves several community organizations in this event,including the City Bicycle Advisory Committee and local bicycle shops. In addition to the Bicycle Safety Rodeo,the Police Department is involved with bicycle safety in a number of other ways. Our Downtown Unit(bicycle officers)works closely with the local bicycling clubs and organizations who organize rides downtown in order to ensure the rides are conducted safely and legally.Bicycle officers were involved in recent Bike Week and Bike Fest activities in May, during which officers gave a riding demonstration and lent their support to the event.Traffic and bicycle officers are also available to conduct bicycle safety education at schools when requested, emphasizing the applicable laws and rules of the road. The Police Department also works with the Bicycle Advisory Committee when issues arise that pertain to the Department's role. The Police Department is very supportive of bicycle educationin the City, and we will continue to look for additional non-monetary ways to enhance this support. Recommendation 3: The recommendation has been implemented. In addition to on-going enforcement for observed bicycle violations,the San Luis Obispo Police Department conducts focused enforcement programs several times each year,with one usually coinciding with the beginning of the Cal Poly school year, and others related to bicycle traffic and group rides in the downtown area. These focused enforcement programs are intended to increase safety for the bicyclists and the motorists and pedestrians they interact with. ATTACHMENT Grand Jury Report on Bicycle k.ging in San Luis Obispo Page 3 CONCLUSION Thank you for this opportunity to comment on the Grand Jury's report. Should you or any member of the Grand Jury have any additional questions,please do not hesitate to contact me. Respectfully sub ed, Deborah Linden Chief of Police c: City Council CAO Ken Hampian ATTACHMENT August 1,2006 Mayor Dave Romero City of San Luis Obispo City Hall San Luis Obispo,CA 93401 The San Luis Obispo County Grand Jury has taken an unusual step in investigating bicycle riding in San Luis Obispo. The Bicycle Advisory Committee believes that the City Council has a unique opportunity to go on record as being in full support of cycling as an alternate form of transportation. In so doing,the city will garner praise and recognition in the transportation community for its forward thinking policies. In accordance with the requirement levied by the Grand Jury report entitled Bicycle Riding in San Luis Obispo County,"Sharing the Road,"the San Luis Obispo Bicycle Advisory Committee (BAC)recommends the following responses: Finding 1. Bicyclists are required to obey all traffic laws. Every person riding a bike on a street or highway has all the rights and is subject to all the rules applicable to the driver of a motor vehicle. (Vehicle Code 21200) BAC recommended response: Agree. Finding 2. Law enforcement agencies set higher priority on enforcement of motorized traffic. There are so many more cars than bicycles,and the consequences of a traffic accident while driving a car are likely to be significantly more serious than those involving a bicycle. BAC recommended response: Agree. Finding 3. Testimony revealed substantial state funding cuts have forced the SLO Police Department to reduce traffic enforcement by 40% in recent years. The funding cuts have impacted the County Sheriff's Department as well. (The CHP is required to enforce traffic laws on unincorporated roads as well as state highways.) BAC recommended response: Agree. Finding 5. There was unanimous agreement among local cycling club members and cyclists interviewed that too many cyclists fail to follow basic Vehicle Code regulations. Cycling groups from the League of American Bicyclists to SLO Bike Club encourage tough enforcement of traffic laws for cycling violations. BAC recommended response: Agree. ATTACHMENT Recommendation 1. Working with local cycling groups and the Bicycle Advisory Committee, local law enforcement agencies and San Luis Obispo County should generously support the countywide implementation of the"Bike Ed"program or similar bicycle safety training program. Support may be monetary,venue provision,advertising, staff assistance,etc.or other in-kind services. (Findings 1, 5 &6) The BAC urges the City to take the lead in implementing this recommendation by taking the following steps: 1. Provide funding to help the County establish the County Rideshare Office as the center for Bicycle Safety Education. As a condition of fimding,require that Rideshare have an employee trained to be a certified instructor. Assist Rideshare in providing a permanent venue(classroom and storage facility),funds to purchase equipment(digital projector,course software and computer for presentations)and funds for advertising in local newspapers,bus posters, billboards and media ads. 2. Encourage local law enforcement officials and supervisors to attend the classroom segment(six hours)of the Bike Ed program so that they are familiar with course content. 3. Offer Bike Ed class as an alternative option to dismiss traffic tickets for bicyclists and motorists involved in cycling-related violations or accidents. Recommendation 3. Law enforcement agencies should implement target enforcement programs aimed at improving cyclist compliance with traffic regulations to insure public safety. (Findings 1,2,3,& 5) The BAC requests that the City Council recommends that: 1. SLO Police Department implement target enforcement programs aimed at cyclists as well as motorists involved in cycling related violations. 2. Ticketed cyclists and motorists involved in cycling-related violations be allowed to take the Bike Ed program in lieu of paying the fine. Violators should pay for the administrative costs of putting on the class. We request that the City Council put this matter on the agenda for discussion prior to responding to the Grand Jury. As your advisory body concerning bicycling in San Luis Obispo,we ask the City Council to consider a strong response to the Grand Jury by pledging to lead the County in implementing their recommendations. �Respectfully submitted, Bicycle Advisory Committee Ben Lerner Tom Nuckols �Q League of American Bicyclists * Course Descriptions Page 1 of 2 ATTACHMENT A-- LEAGUE OF About Us I Join or Donate I Calendar I Store I Links I Contact AMER_T['__eN BT[_YCLT� T_ PROGRAMS MEMBERS RIDE RESOURCES TAKE ACTION MEDIA CENTER 44'orkingfe>ra.Bic2Jcle, Home > Programs > Bike Education > Course Descriptions NEWS Whether it's advc Course Descriptions BIKE EDUCATION community,orec > Course Descriptions got the cycling ht > Courses or Instructors by Get the News her Road 1 State JOIN THE LEAS Road 2 > LCI Certification Ready to become Commuting > Instructor Seminar Schedule the benefits here. Motorist Education > Ride Better Tips WANT TO LEAI Kids 1 > Instructor Corner Sign up to receive Kids 2 newsletter! League Cycling Instructors (LCIS) offer courses to suit the your e-mail addr needs of any cyclist. Certified, insured and equipped to teach anything from basic skills to college level courses, LCI's are the CYCLING IN Y r. experts in bicycle education and safety. Courses offered r•, get going.nd local FindresoIt get going.Find It include: Road I, Road II, Commuting, Motorist Ed, Kids I and SEARCH Kids II. LCI's can also offer modified versions of these courses ` s. Search our whole and design bike rodeos and provide general safety consulting. m ROAD I ' Gives cyclists the confidence they — need to ride safely and legally in traffic or on the trail. The course _ Learn how to ride our bike covers bicycle safety checks, fixing Y a Flat, on bike skills and crash safely and confidently through y _ s avoidance techniques and includes a BikeEd course from the a student manual. Recommended League of American Bicyclists. for adults and children above age fourteen, this fast-paced, nine-hour course prepares cyclists for a full understanding of vehicular cycling. t Return to top —• ROAD II For more advanced students with an understanding of vehicular y cycling principles, this twelve hour course includes fitness and physiology, training for longer rides, advanced mechanics, paceline skills, advanced traffic negotiation, foul weather riding and night riding. Student manuals are included with each class. t Return to top COMMUTING For adult cyclists who wish to explore the possibility of http://www.bikeleague.org/programs/ediication/courses.php -$/2/2006 _ League of American Bicyclists * Course Descriptions Page 2 of 2 ATTACHMENT - commuting to work or school by bike. This three hour follow-up to Road I covers topics including route selection, bicycle choice, dealing with cargo and clothing, bike parking, lighting, reflection, and foul weather riding. Included with the class are handouts and student materials. t Return to top MOTORIST EDUCATION A 3-hour classroom session, this course can be easily added to a driver's education curriculum, such as diversion training for reckless drivers or a course designed local bus drivers. Directed towards motorists in general, topics covered include roadway positioning of cyclists, traffic and hand signals, principles of right-of-way and left and right turn problems. Materials include Share the Road literature for bicyclists and motorists as well as other fact sheets. t Return to top KIDS I Designed for parents, instructors explain how to teach a child to ride c a bike.Topcis covered include how k to perform a bicycle safety check, helmet fitting and bike sizing. Includes 10-minute 'Kids Eye View' video and a brochure for parents. t Return to top KIDS II This 7-hour class for 5th and 6th graders covets the same topics as Road I, including on-bike skills as well as choosing safe routes for riding. t Return to top League of American Bicyclists, 1612 K Street.NW, Suite 800, Washington, DC 20006. 202-822-1333 bikeleague@bikeleague.c Copyright @ 2000-2006, League of American Blcyclists. All Rights Reserved. http://www.bikeleague.org/programs/education/courses.php 8/2/2006 E0 w. w d0 CD y m m p, G Q w 0 .d Q ro o 0 v� o R W CDD k b �•C nm n �' rL w ,G. n 14 c e'Q' CD n G y o C, w Do d m In y N w G w m C rn o w p a o n rL w, '7 rS I CDw °rro p», Ir m O O y O PIT, O CD Fid CD CD m N wiw ® m� _ 0 G D = 1- cm CD Ct W CD CD C 5 CD Q 0 0 p n n ° oCD Z m ° • CDCID m N G wro n �:I Ii w op k Rw0 4 ao x0 - a • r -T KQ �ra3 II ° � C ni o C 3 �'I t , w g • n CD o Q. p m e1 CD y o s w ®• 1 CD Z' 0 7 ,�� ., p C 10 a �' - E. � �. O w CD n / CD w w M • s4 aCDCD 5D CD CD MIS SD In 0 CD CD G .t w , Oq G n K O &�_7 CD O U3 t:r CL Oo `3" .GAS. 'w7" CD CD ° �� •T�^ CD C3 • YCCD 'J' �,5+, eY CD O ryry/ 1 rL y � m crw = A � w A x � — CD CD ° mo0 0G - ... www A G x ° aCD ^c o m F' � ='Cm m `"' w A, 4 CD CCD 1 o CD w m w a s ani r o � m P .y w rn e+ '� � Q Cd � n �n O O G Oaf ww tr ( t3' CD w G 7c' CD W ti O -I /0 CCD G �. CD A w 1 CD o oID G ty G CD nCD zr c nCD CD ' w A w w G. O CD IN m A � aw ¢ ¢ 1 a < y a LL o '!• fu � � L U Lr . lift ' I League of American Bicyclists 1612 K Street, NW Suite :00 DC 20006 G O • cG • v C O c ^ , U • 00 r U O G • U r t+ . U • • Cell 0 IM GQ r U' • _ 1 Ln Rr CR — - 42CU • • O