HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes_Emergency_09/25/2009MINUTES
VILLAGE OF TEQUESTA
EMERGENCY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
September 25, 2009
CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL
The meeting was called to order by Mayor Pat Watkins at 1:32 p.m. A roll call was taken by
Village Clerk Assistant Deanna Mayo. Present were: Mayor Pat Watkins, Vice-Mayor Tom
Paterno, Council Member Vince Arena, and Council Member Turnquest. Also in attendance
were: Village Manager Michael R. Couzzo Jr., and Village Clerk Assistant Deanna Mayo and
Department Heads. Council Member Humpage was absent.
1. Prompt Corrective Action Requested by Florida Department of Transportation
(FDOT) regarding deficiencies shown in inspection of Tequesta Drive Bridge
Village Manager Couzzo referenced his meeting earlier with the Florida Department of
Transportation (FDOT). He noted their recommendation for closure following their inspection
results which showed acceleration of deterioration. He noted the closure would be on the west
bound lane and only passenger vehicles would be permissible.
Mayor Watkins questioned if safety would be compromised by leaving the alternate lane open.
Manager Couzzo responded that the FDOT expressed their confidence on utilizing the east
bound lane for passenger vehicles only. He noted that trucks, busses and trailers would be
exempt because of their weight but an ambulance would be allowed. Mayor Watkins inquired
to what extent was the bridge believed to fail. Vice Mayor Paterno stated actual collapse was
discussed by the FDOT.
Manager Couzzo noted the bridge was rated for 35 tons and the new provision reduced the
tonnage load to two. Council Member Arena voiced his concern for the severity of the situation.
Manager Couzzo reminded Council they had the option to close the entire bridge.
Vice Mayor Paterno suggested tightening up the lane width to slow drivers as they approach.
Mr. Russell White, Public Services Manager, suggested placement of message boards and
barricades.
Mayor Watkins asked how the Manager would explain the situation to the public. Manager
Couzzo responded the details would note significant deterioration since June and the Village
adhering to the findings of the FDOT and their Consultants. Manager Couzzo explained the
impact from vibrations of larger vehicle loads. Council Member Arena questioned speed and
pile up traffic on the bridge. Vice Mayor Paterno reiterated that the FDOT was not concerned
with the weight of passenger vehicles or their vibrations even if they were lined up on the
bridge the FDOT confirmed the impact would be acceptable.
Mayor Watkins felt an officer must be present to reduce the possibility of drivers attempting to
go in the wrong direction. Manager Couzzo suggested an officer should be on duty at all times.
Council Member Arena concurred and suggested closing the bridge during the late hours.
Council Member Turnquest felt it would inconvenience residents who utilized the bridge all
Minutes -Emergency Council Meeting - 9/25/09
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hours and should remain open. Mr. Russell White, Public Services Manager, pointed out
additional procedures would be necessary to close the lane each night and did not recommend
this strategy. Manager Couzzo noted additional personnel could be obtained if needed for
whatever was necessary. Council Member Turnquest stated the public's safety was priority.
Lieutenant Pike stated officers could be scheduled for coverage any way deemed necessary.
Council Consensus was to leave the bridge open around the clock with one lane going east
bound.
Manager Couzzo stated a plan would be developed on the actual specifics. He also confirmed
a dialogic would be sent to the residents today. Brad Gomberg, IT Director, replied he could
post the update in numerous areas.
Vice Mayor Paterno felt the situation necessitated motivation to expedite the bridge
replacement project. Manager Couzzo felt announcing the expectation of a rush would
increase the cost on bids tremendously. Mayor Watkins asked if they could speed up the
process. Manager Couzzo noted that the steps and procedures for the bridge project were
mandatory and did not believe any could be eliminated.
MOTION: Mayor Watkins passed the gavel to Vice Mayor Paterno and moved to appropriate
up to $50, 000 for necessities toward the closing of the Tequesta Drive Bridge; seconded by
Council Member Arena; motion carried unanimously 4-0.
Council Member Turnquest left the meeting at 2:05 p.m.
Manager Couzzo reiterated the impact of the larger vehicles and noted monitoring would be
ongoing. He also suggested police obtain a boat slip next to the bridge.
ADJOURNMENT
MOTION: Council Member Arena moved to adjourn; seconded by Vice-Mayor Paterno; the
motion to adjourn carried unanimously 3-0; therefore, the meeting was adjourned at 2:08 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
.,~~ ~>
Deanna Mayo
Assistant to the Village Clerk