Commission asks staff for more detail on SANDAG-funded Tamarack/101 project after public comment

Commissioners voted to ask staff for a future briefing on a SANDAG-funded project at Tamarack/101 after public comment raised questions about the project’s scope and grant spending.

During public comment, resident David Pierce said SANDAG had provided $1,000,000 for pedestrian improvements at the Tamarack/101 intersection and alleged the city tried to expand the project into a $10,000,000 roundabout and that SANDAG had instructed the city to return $500,000 of unused funds. Pierce urged the commission to prioritize low-cost "quick build" safety measures rather than large capital projects.

Paz Gomez, deputy city manager for public works, told commissioners the Tamarack/101 item was not on the commission agenda and recommended a formal request if the commission wanted staff to present details. Commissioner Cole moved that staff return with more details on the item. The commission voted to have staff provide a future presentation; the motion passed.

Tom Frank, transportation director and city engineer, said the commission’s SANDAG liaison had requested a delay at the regional board to allow time to get up to speed on related issues and staff would respond to that request as appropriate. Staff did not provide budget reconciliation or SANDAG correspondence during the meeting and said the item was not agendized for the current meeting.

The motion directs staff to present details about the project status and SANDAG interactions at a future meeting so commissioners and the public can review the information formally.