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6.1.A. - Page 5 B. Rejection of Claim from Timothy J Schmidt Recommendation: By motion, reject subject claim. MINUTE ORDER 12-203 7. STAFF REPORT(S) A. Farm Hill Boulevard Street Improvement Pilot Project Recommendation: Accept the analysis and direct staff to identify other candidate sites for similar pilot projects, but not to implement the conceptual roadway modifications on Farm Hill Boulevard. Council Member Pierce recused herself due to the fact that her property is within 500- feet of the site. Council Member Pierce left the Chambers. Bill Ekern, Director of Community Development, provided a brief report and noted how this issue evolved and how he would like to see how the community handles such changes in smaller scale and then reassess the approach for this particular area. Mr. Ekern would prefer taking smaller steps and especially because of the geometry in this area co-mingled with other complex issues. There were no Council questions. Mayor Aguirre took public comment. Public Comment Matthew Self spoke in favor of proceeding with the Farm Hill Road project as an opportunity to show leadership in transforming the environment to make it safer and more conducive for pedestrians and bicyclists. He cited other examples elsewhere where roads were successfully reduced from four down to two lanes, and he also opined that since it is a pilot, it can be changed back if it does not work. John Langbein said he used to live on Farm Hill Boulevard and he is still a resident of this city and spoke in favor of the "road diet" there. He cited improved safety to be able to back out of driveways with a new buffer space and bike lane, parking, and reducing speeding. Julie Johnston said she lives on Farm Hill Boulevard, there was a similar project brought before the community about 15 years ago, and expressed concern about going down to two lanes and questioned the reasons why. She spoke against the proposed pilot. Chris Gellrich spoke in favor of a pilot project and noted that Edgewood Road has 13,000 cars a day versus the 12,000 on Farm Hill Boulevard that shows that one lane (each way) can satisfy. He shared concerns with the current situation which included the average 40 miles per hour speed on Farm Hill Boulevard, he and/or his children being able to cross the street safely. He opined that the extra space would make it easier for people to get into traffic safely and for buses to pull aside, and he opined that a pilot could be undone and it is worth a try. JOINT CITY COUNCIUSUCCESSOR AGENCY BOARD October 22, 2012 MEETING MINUTES PAGE 5