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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes_Special Meeting_09/30/2008MINUTES VILLAGE OF TEQUESTA SPECIAL VILLAGE COUNCIL MEETING SEPTEMBER 30, 2008 Call to Order and Roll Call The meeting was called to order by Mayor Pat Watkins at 6:11 p.m. A roll call was taken by Village Clerk Lori McWilliams. Present were: Mayor Pat Watkins, Vice Mayor Calvin Turnquest, Council Member Vince Arena and Council Member Jim Humpage, Council Member Tom Patemo, Bridge Committee Chair Pete Pimentel, Member Jim Mansfield, Member Michael Vaccaro. Also in attendance were: Village Manager Michael R. Couzzo, Jr., Village Clerk Lori McWilliams and Department Heads. Committee Vice-Chair Mary Hinton and Member Walter Downey were absent. Mayor Watkins expressed the importance of hearing from the residents and the value of having a goal of the Bridge project being well thought out and trouble-free as passible. Approval of Agenda 1. Bridge Committee Recommendation Presentation - Chair Pete Pimentel confirmed that the Committee, after considering consultants and residents recommendations their decision to replace the bridge as an alternative to repairs, to keep the bridge in the current location and raise it as high as possible was unanimous. Z. Presentation by Arcadis on possible Bridge Design /Conceptual Plan Mr. Thomas Jensen, Project Manager, led the presentation offering options and suggested Arcadis prepare renderings and cost estimates for the next step of the project. He and his team also noted the age and deterioration of the bridge and explained the Engineering process and beautification aspects of the bridge replacement project and assured that the material suggested were far superior to what had been used fifty years ago. His team also explained traffic calming issues, lighting, landscaping and height options. Mayor Watkins noted a petition received by Council supporting raising the bridge along with letters from Abby Roeloffs supporting the issue to the maximum height and would like an article from the Palm Beach Post to be considered which predicted higher sea levels in Florida's future. A letter from Sue Hamm, President of Carriage Houses of Tequesta concerning the projects installation of pilings and the effects it would have to their property, seawall and swimming pool; they also stated they were against offering fishing and noted the elevation concern with visibility interfering with vehicles pulling out onto Tequesta Drive. They also felt all the surrounding unincorporated areas utilizing the bridge should contribute to its cost. Mayor Watkins stated the Village had inquired to several Counties with reference to financial assistance toward the project and had received to date a donation in the amount of $50,000 from Commissioner Marcus. Council Members Humpage and Paterno expressed their loyalties for tax payer's comments. Mayor Watkins read Dr. Greg Delange's letter concerning replacing the bridge before it was necessary and the inconvenience of additional driving time and cost of gas. She also read a letter from Mr. Vince Amy debating the flood concerns and questioned the probability of using a coating to help repel the splashing water and having a "no wake zone" in place. She also VILLAGE COUNCIL SPECIAL MEETING SEPTEMBER 30, 2008 Page 2 read a comment card from Mr. James Fitzgerald who suggested constructing walkways that would discourage fishing. Citizen Comments Dr. Chin Chen, 474 Tequesta Drive had concern with the speed of traffic, raising the bridge and the safety of residents pulling out into traffic. He also was concerned with widening the bridge and noise from paver or alternate material. He also felt fishing was not a good idea. Edwin Nelson, 370 W. Riverside Drive would like to see the bridge designed to slow traffic for the safety of kids fishing. Harold Taylor, 13 Chapel Court voiced his concerns with scheduling, cost, aesthetics and safety. He also suggested Council entertain prefabrication as well as requesting alternative ideas from several contractors. Geraldine Dube, 7 Country Club Circle felt optimizing the river view was important and suggested adding a third lane to help with future maintenance and lighting should be minimized. She questioned if the bridge being raised would decrease the maintenance and if a permit fee for fishing could be implemented. Darren Shull, 4901 Bimini Road noted residents from unincorporated areas used the bridge and hoped Council was seeking tax payer dollars from Palm Beach County and Martin County. He suggested using stainless steel rebar in the structure for longevity and noted the bridge height would assist emergency vehicles in hi-tide and storm conditions. Tim Goldsbury, 20 Tradewinds Circle was for raising the bridge. Russell Von Frank, 489 Dover Road suggested using prefabricated material and inquired on the length of the bridge closure. Joyce Wood, 475 Tequesta Drive who represented the Carriage House commented on the letter previously sent from Sue Hamm. Larry Wright, 11 Dewitt Place, Brad Mayo, 19267 W. Indies Lane and William Murphy, 6 Bayview Court inquired about the difference of cost and time between repair and replacement of bridge. Mayor Watkins noted that the cost would be discussed after public comments. Alex Barker, 15 Tradewinds Circle stated it would affect his driving time as well but supported the decision. Robert Aumack, 15 Yacht Club Place was concerned that Council did not work hard enough on repair options and felt there were better options to investigate. Frank D'Ambra III, 23 Leeward Circle supported replacing and raising the bridge and felt the economy and timing was pertect. VILLAGE COUNCIL SPECIAL MEETING SEPTEMBER 30, 2008 Page 3 Steve Oenbrink, 35 River Drive voiced his concern on the bridge height and obstructing the vision of oncoming street traffic and felt it would encourage speed from river vessels which would factor in more spray. He felt two lanes were sufficient and landscaping would cause extra maintenance. He stated the drainage would affect the longevity of the structure and irrigation would be difficult to run. He thought increasing tonnage should be encouraged. He also felt as bad as the economy was frills and lighting should wait only making preparations for them in the future. Timothy Corder, 77 Fairview East commented on the weight capacity and did not want to see a heavy load zone. He voiced his concerns with boaters having a tight squeeze under the bridge and cars having difficulty with their line of sight. He agreed fishing was hazardous for children and parking would be a problem. He questioned the cost of heightening and asked if actual bridge designers were involved in the present process. Walter Jacob, 158 River Drive felt the tides should be considered in the bridge design. Richard Dube, 7 Country Club Drive supported a bike lane. Dottie Campbell, 30 Eastwinds Circle supported the bridge replacement and urged a vote to decide the details. She also felt the height of the bridge would attract more boat traffic causing more damage to the mangroves. Mayor Watkins read into the record a letter from Connie and Terry Fisher requesting the pedestrian walk way to be open as much as possible during the project. Rush Simonson, 475 Tequesta Drive Carriage House felt this was an opportunity to design an aesthetically pleasing bridge. He also felt safety for boat traffic and pedestrians should be essential. Kevin Newfield, 83 River Drive commented on the inconvenience of the bridge project and road repairs and felt they should be done simultaneously. Randy Cropp, 218 Turtle Creek supported raising the bridge and felt the Village could save money as bridge costs had significantly reduced. Pert Towne, 364 Fairway North noted that DOT (the Department of Transportation) declared the bridge obsolete in the late 1980's and supported replacement. Dick Wilson, 24 Leeward Circle questioned the extra cost for the five feet and who would pay for that extra cost. Jim Williams, 32 Tradewinds Circle commented that the design should propose traffic slowing ideas. Frank D'Ambra III, 23 Leeward Circle suggested placing patrol cars by the bridge to slow traffic. VILLAGE COUNCIL SPECIAL MEETING SEPTEMBER 30, 2008 Page 4 Ben Ward, 28 Starboard Way was in favor of a new bridge and encouraged approaching the Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) regarding Federal grant money. He also suggested utilizing the concrete debris to create an artificial reef. Kevin Newfield, 82 River Drive expressed concern with detouring traffic and hoped the bridge route could be accessed as long as possible during construction. Ed Tybuszynski, 10 Saddleback Road was concerned with the safety of offering fishing. 3. Council Discussion on Bridge Design 1 Conceptual Plan The meeting resumed after a five minute break. Mayor Watkins explained the bridge was in the conceptual stage, the cost variances, and expectations of a prolonged life of a new bridge over ongoing maintenance of repairing. Thomas Jensen explained approximate costs: • Repair ($60,000 repair was done on bridge seawalls 3 years ago) o $1.8 to $2.2 million o time parameter of 60-90 days o leaving the deteriorating sea walls un-touched existing pilings • Replacement o $2.5 to $2.6 million including up to a 2 foot rise estimating an additional $300 - $400 thousand to raise the full 5 foot. 0 3.5 months up to a year for more elaborate bridge design Council Member Paterno stated the County may want to help once the bridge was completed, but no one was willing to give financial assistance at this time. Thomas Jensen also noted: • The intent to use superior products • Environmental studies to be addressed • Load capacity- keeping the tonnage low to keep large trucks from additional wear to the bridge (current five ton limit) • Pile driving was forceful and could affect surrounding seawalls and pools particularly if structures were not well-built or aging, however techniques would be used to minimize impact • Encon and water main would be run horizontally under the riverbed 12 to 15 feet. • Raising the bridge on center spans and not the entire span to reduce view obstruction to drivers and residents • Regulations and posting of speed limit • Width projections do not include a bike or safety lane and would add an approximate $250 per square foot to the price • Working around the clock to save time versus the disturbance of sound traveling across the water • Tides and height of bridge impacting boat size VILLAGE COUNCIL SPECIAL MEETING SEPTEMBER 30, 2008 Page 5 • Keeping a lane open for traffic during construction not a feasible option • FPL placing their lines under ground during construction could be costly and discussing alternate option once design is complete • Keeping guardrail design open and a protective rail between traffic and pedestrian • Estimating down time as realistic as possible • Landscape beautification assisting in noise reduction Council confirmed original consensus was to replace and heighten the bridge to the maximum without impacting road. Vice Mayor Turnquest stated he was against raising the bridge. Council consensus was to obtain pricing and conceptual drawings replacing the bridge: • at 2 feet • at current the level • at the maximum height without impacting the road Harold Taylor, 13 Chapel Court questioned keeping the bridge ends at the same height while raising the bridges center without. He also questioned the wing walls and their function. Council agreed landscaping should be permitted on ends of bridge not on the bridge itself. Vice Mayor Turnquest offered to contact Representative Snyder for available funding toward the bridge project. Betty Nagy, Shay Place asked who would be responsible for any damage done to adjacent properties. Joe Hall, 159 Country Club Drive questioned eliminating lighting and offered his feelings on the necessity to have them. Sue Hamm, 475 Tequesta Drive asked if residents could do anything to protect their properties during construction and suggested adding a bike path to one side of the bridge and a walking path to the other. She also supported landscaping to muffle noise. Bob Grover, 9 Palmetto Way inquired if Public Safety staff would be placed to assist residents during construction. Dennis Cunningham, 18765 SE River Ridge Road supported raising the bridge and questioned closure to river traffic. Thomas Jensen from Arcadis stated by law the bridge would be navigable from underneath with closure only when construction would be detrimental. He questioned if Council had decided on a look for the bridge. Mayor Watkins and Manager Couzzo stated they would like to get the nicest bridge designed for the budget. Council Member Paterno suggested dressing up the bridge with stone. Manager Couzzo stated he had an idea and direction to start the design process. Vice Mayor Turnquest felt the state of the economy should be kept in mind. Manager Couzzo felt the economy also opened opportunity for discounts. VILLAGE COUNCIL SPECIAL MEETING SEPTEMBER 30, 2008 Page 6 Dr. Chen Chin, 474 Tequesta Drive questioned the width requirements and how it would affect the length and impact on adjacent driveways and properties. Tom Jensen explained the widening would be maintained on the actual bridge itself but could flare toward the ends which would possibly impact driveways and properties near the bridge. Manager Couzzo reassured residents the Village would keep adjacent properties informed on any developments that might affect their property. 4. Any Other Matters Adjournment MOTION: Vice-Mayor Tumquest moved to adjourn the meeting at 9:19 p.m.; seconded by Council Member Arena, motion carried unanimously 5-0. Respectfully submitted, F T. ='~ SEAL ~ °.~ ~ mC~,~-(,Q~~; INCORPORATED Lori McWilliams, CMC =,Nj:"i~ Village Clerk ""'~-;~~F•