Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes_Workshop_02/12/2009MINUTES VILLAGE OF TEQUESTA WORKSHOP MINUTES FEBRUARY 12, 2009 CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL The meeting was called to order by Mayor Pat Watkins at 6:00 .m. A roll call was taken by Clerk Lori McWilliams. Present were: Mayor Pat Watkins, Vice-Mayor Calvin Turnquest, Council Member Vince Arena, and Council Member Jim Humpage, and Council Member Tom Paterno. Also in attendance were: Village Manager Michael R. Couzzo Jr., Village Attorney Trela White, and Clerk Lori McWilliams. 1. Tequesta Drive Bridge Update Manager Couzzo explained the water main and sanitary force main were two projects which must be removed prior to the bridge project and noted the lines were being placed 30-35 feet under the river. He reported a proposal would be presented to Council to execute the equivalent with FPL lines at the time the bridge was constructed with Comcast and AT&T also being considered. He explained that an 18" pipe would be placed on the south side of the bridge for Loxahatchee River District main, with Comcast, ATT, FPL and Tequesta lines on the north side. He noted there were eight different conduits that must be installed and the Village was awaiting bids at the present time. Manager Couzzo explained the Village was working with Condo associations on the west side of the bridge regarding easements. He noted Council would decide if the FPL and Comcast lines should be relocated from the poles and to under the river. He advised FPL would give the Village the necessary conduit with the Village assuming the cost of the conversion, Comcast would not assume any cost of the relocation and, Encon had agreed to pay 100 percent of their conversion and at present had paid for half. He noted the boring project would run 21 days at least five days a week and would be an inconvenience to residents. He felt the project was on target and recommended putting all conduits in at once to avoid multiple disturbances. He also stated this procedure would keep lines away from hurricane damage. Harry Astarita, 478 Tequesta Drive asked about a possible pipe disrupting their parking for 21 days and if planting could go in after the pipe project was completed. Manager Couzzo stated the Encon project would be quick and should not upset their parking. He noted that Encon would also have tanker trucks on site in case of overflow and the pipes were run very deep and should not affect plantings. Frank D'Ambra III, 23 Leeward Circle asked if notification would be sent asking residents to minimize water usage. Manager Couzzo replied yes and noted the cost of the tankers would be Encons and not the Village. Mr. D'Ambra inquired about the possibility of stimulus money for additional lines for future use in Tequesta. Mayor Watkins confirmed that stimulus funds were being sought and noted the process was lengthy. Minutes -Workshop 2/12/09 Page 2 Manager Couzzo was optimistic that one lane would be open throughout the project and noted that overtime for public safety employees would be minimized to cut costs. Manager Couzzo explained the bridge design was approximately 95% complete and would go to bid March 8, a pre-bid meeting of expectations to interested parties would follow, bid opening March 31, and Council should have a decision on the successful party in April. He noted penalties would be worked into the contract to avoid delays along with incentives for contractors to encourage forward progress noting rain and hurricanes delays would be unavoidable. Manager Couzzo indicated there would be a relaxing area to view the river, with a trellis that would hold a message board to inform residents of happenings and could police possible problem vehicles as well. Mayor Watkins noted the bids would stipulate additional items to be bid separately for future amenities. Frank D'Ambra III, 23 Leeward Circle inquired about navigational lights for water traffic. Manger Couzzo stated there would be lights on the side of the bridge to help guide water traffic with no lights directly shinning into the water that would attract fish. Harry Astarita, 478 Tequesta Drive voiced concern with the "sitting area" and fishing from the bnridge. Manager Couzzo explained the sitting area was a stopping area for persons to enjoy the view and noted the design was intentionally done to detour fishing. Mayor Watkins noted the Village was very sensitive to residents in the close proximity feeling they would be impacted most. Mr. Astarita questioned the aesthetics of the bridge and sidewalk areas. Manager Couzzo replied there would be improved drawings for all to view very soon. Joe Marzigliano, 478 Tequesta Drive -White Hall voiced his concern with no place to park to enjoy the sitting areas and felt a sign would take away from the quaintness of the area. He was also concerned with the speed of boats. Manager Couzzo noted the signage aesthetics would be considered and the sitting areas where mainly for foot traffic. Council Arena suggested changing the name from seating area to viewing area to help with confusion. Manager Couzzo encouraged open communications from residents during the project and noted the goal was to minimize inconveniences and stated the relocation of police and fire to the west side and Council's decision on work hours of project would have to be organized and suggested avoiding extra long work days. Council Member Arena noted the bridge demolition would be hauled out to the ocean to create the "Tequesta reef'. ADJOURNMENT Minutes -Workshop 2/12/09 Page 3 MOTION: Vice Mayor Turnquest moved to adjourn the meeting at 7:00 p. m.; seconded by Council Member Arena, motion carried unanimously 5-0. Respectfully submitted, ,,,.~~``'PGE p~c'~%,,~ LI _ ~ ,'~J~v~'~,O RPp9 F~'%, ~:t 1 r~'t~- rY 1 ec..U ,~_~.L' ~c ~-~--,~` ~ •~~ S'~ - wpm' m~ cn Lori McWilliams, CMC ~~•. ~~9p0~L :a Village Clerk ~'~~`~ F~.'. . ,~F4F~0~`OP,,~,,.