Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes_Special Meeting_ 01/27/2006• MINUTES VILLAGE OF TEQUESTA EMERGENCY SPECIAL VILLAGE COUNCIL MEETING FRIDAY, JANUARY 27, 2006 3:00 P.M. I. CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL The Tequesta Village Council held a Emergency Special Village Council Meeting at the Emergency Operations Center, 357 Tequesta Drive, Tequesta, Florida, on Friday, January 27, 2006. The meeting was called to order at 3:00 p.m. A roll call was taken by Executive Assistant to the Village Manager, Anne Koch. Council Members present were: Mayor Jim Humpage, Vice Mayor Pat Watkins, Council Member Geraldine A. Genco, and Council Member Tom Paterno. Also in attendance were: Village Manager Michael R. Couzzo, Jr., and Department Heads. Palm Beach County Battalion Chief James St. Pierre was also present. II. APPROVAL OF AGENDA MOTION: Vice Mayor Watkins moved to approve the agenda, as submitted; seconded by Council Member Paterno; motion passed 4-0. III. Discussion and possible action regarding recommendation by the Department of Transportation for the Tequesta Drive Bridge • Village Manager Couzzo stated that for the past six weeks the Village has been looking at the Tequesta Drive Bridge. He commented Staff has reduced the speed and tonnage signs on the bridge, because the Village has concerns about the condition of the bridge. He explained initially the State indicated that the bridge was in good condition, obsolete, but basically in good shape. He commented Council Member Paterno came to him and mentioned he had indications from other people there may be other issues with the bridge. He pointed out at that time the Village sought out an independent engineer, who then did an analysis, and confirmed their suspicions. He noted the Village requested the State come back and do a more thorough investigation. He noted the investigation has taken place two times, with the latest inspection yesterday, January 26, 2006. He indicated Council received a copy of the State report, in which it shows the bridge has serious problems. He stated the Department of Transportation (DOT) is recommending immediately, the bridge be closed until further in depth evaluation can take place. He noted it has been indicated to Staff the engineers may be able to come out tomorrow morning to do an in- depth analysis to determine what steps and what alternatives Staff can bring to the Council for consideration for repairing the bridge and/or replacing it. He stated what really needs to be discussed is the recommendation of the Department of Transportation and what the Council's preference is at this time. Village Manager Couzzo explained he, Chief Allison, Chief Weinand, and Assistant Village Manager Bob Garlo met early this morning to discuss what needed to be done by the different departments. He noted there is a lot of coordination that needs to take place between the Police • department, Fire department, Public Works, and Utilities. Minutes -Emergency Special Village Council Meeting January 27, 2006 Page 2 • He commented for the most part that has been done very quickly, and that everyone has done a commendable job. He commented Staff is prepazed to shut down the bridge, and detour traffic should that be the decision of Council. Vice Mayor Watkins noted she understood the eastbound side was very severe, she asked if it would make more sense to leave the westbound lane open; She commented they are recommending the entire bridge be shut down. Village Manager Couzzo stated the DOT is recommending the bridge be closed at this time. He commented he also spoke with Village Attorney Hawkins this morning, and he agrees that the Village would probably be in the best position to close the bridge at this time, until the Village has a more in depth analysis. He mentioned Mr. Hawkins is available by conference call if needed. He stated the Village is fortune, because the bridge inspection, which is normally conducted in March, was done in January. He noted they are going to come back as eazly as tomorrow to work with the Village. Vice Mayor Watkins noted she just wanted to understand, because Council is going to get phone calls. Village Manager Couzzo stated Staff does not know the extent of the damage to the bridge. Vice Mayor Watkins commented the bridge was being closed to study, not because the Village knows the damage. Village Manager Couzzo stated Staff does not know conclusively the extent of the deterioration of the bridge, and what its current load bearing calculations are. He stated the Village would not know that until they do an additional analysis, which could be the entire span, across both lanes of traffic. Assistant Village Manager Gazlo mentioned the situation as it is now • is that they have akeady determined that the eastbound lane is in need of repair. He commented the suggestion with the westbound lane was discussed with DOT, and they recommended the Village close the entire bridge for traffic. He stated they did not know the condition of the westbound, that they can not visibly see it like they could on the exposed eastbound lane. He indicated the purpose of them to come back out was to actually look at the spans. He commented the Village would have a better idea after that. Vice Mayor Watkins commented they initially told the residents it was being dropped down to 15 mph, so that they could study it. She asked if this was an additional study, or if it was a different thing that was going to be studied by the same company. Village Manager Couzzo stated it would be a more in-depth study. He noted the first time they had taken a preliminary look; and yesterday they took a more in-depth look at the bridge. He stated the condition of the bridge was more severe than they originally thought. He noted the first move the Village made was a very good move to make the reduction, because the heavier the loads, and the faster the traffic, the greater the impact to the bridge, so there could have been potentially a more serious problem. He stated now they aze saying the Village needs to take another step, a cautionary step, and close the bridge until they can determine the extent of the repairs that would be needed. Vice Mayor Watkins asked whether the bridge would be shutdown to pedestrians. Village Manager Couzzo stated their recommendation to Council was to shut the bridge completely. He explained he and Ms. Hazding, Director of Community Development just got out of a meeting with the Village's azchitect and engineers, and they have bridge engineers on staff that may be able to help the Village expedite this process, if Council so chooses to do so. He commented the • engineers have not yet determined the problem to fix it. 2 Minutes -Emergency Special Village Council Meeting January 27, 2006 Page 3 • He noted the Village is being extremely pro-active, so that this could be moved as quickly as possible, once the Village has the in depth analysis. He commented the Village has been very fortunate that most of the steps have fallen into place. He indicated he would need direction for Council on their preference, whether to close the bridge or what Council would like Staff to do. Council Member Genco commented when they come out tomorrow or this weekend and complete the study to tell us what the load bearing might be on the bridge; she asked does that mean the Village could limit the traffic flows to residence only vehicles. Village Manager Couzzo stated that could be possible. He commented if in fact the northbound side of the bridge (westbound lane) is structurally sound to hold the traffic; he commented the Village could take a look one way or alternating it, so the people could get in and out, as long as the condition is safe. He commented Staff would not know that until after the analysis. Council Member Genco indicated then the Village would have to pay someone on each side of the bridge. Village Manager Couzzo agreed, if the traffic was to be moved in both directions. He commented if it is one way it probably would not have to be posted, it could just be barricaded off in such a fashion it would only be on the one side. He noted that is going to be determined in the investigation. Council Member Paterno mentioned it did not need to be long term, the Village could actually have a temporary light put in, alternating it, and that would be much more cost effective. Council Member Genco agreed. Village Manager Couzzo indicated that was a possibility, or the Village could do it certain days of the week. Council Member Genco stated what the Village does today could be reversed on Monday. Village Manager Couzzo stated it was entirely possible. He • commented he did not think it was likely, because what he felt was going to happen was over the weekend they would be evaluating it, and take whatever samples and then send it back, and the engineers are going to crunch the structural numbers. He noted it probably would be four or five weekdays to the Village knew. Council Member Genco mentioned Monday -Monday, and felt what was done today, could get reversed when they finish crunching the numbers. Village Manager indicated that was possible. Council Member Genco felt she would not want to get numbers, then have it reversed, and word be out, and then not know what to think. Vice Mayor Watkins felt the Village should err on the side of caution, because it is a safety issue. Village Manager Couzzo agreed that would be his recommendation to Council, because Council would get the irate calls. He noted what Council is doing with the bridge, is their primary responsibility to provide public safety and welfare. He noted if there is any comfort level, the Village made the decision to reduce the tonnage and speed. He indicated that decision was questioned at that time, but in hindsight that was a very good decision. He felt this would also be a good decision, even if it is 3 or 4 days a week, and the Village reserves itself, he noted he would not want to take the risk. Mayor Humpage mentioned another answer to the question, was if you read the report, and look under the bridge, the steel is all exposed on the south side of bridge on the eastbound lane, so he felt that would never be allowed to have vehiculaz traffic again without some kind of repair. He commented something would have to be done to the east side; he noted whether the Village would be lucky enough to use the west side, remains to be seen. Council Member Genco stated she can not believe that it got this bad so fast. Mayor Humpage indicated the Village received a • report from them nine months ago saying the bridge was structurally sound. Council Member Genco agreed, but stated it did say the bridge was obsolete. 3 Minutes -Emergency Special Village Council Meeting January 27, 2006 Page 4 • Village Manager Couzzo stated there may be a possibility to go in there and make some quick temporary immediate repairs that would structurally sound it up, and give Council the time to determine what they would ultimately want to do. He commented Staff would take a look at all of those things. Council Member Genco stated she also noted that the recommendation was for marine traffic, which means that boats would not be able to come in or out beneath the bridge as well. Village Manager Couzzo agreed. Council Member Genco asked how would this be handled. Village Manager Couzzo stated the Village has their marine patrol, and indicated he did not see a problem in the half hour he was there. He commented the Village could set up a buoy barrier, put signs up, and close it off. Council Member Genco asked if the Village would give people a chance to get their boats out or boats back in. Village Manager Couzzo noted those are things that Staff has to look at; he felt there might be other ways to get a boat in and out. Vice Mayor Watkins felt that was the only way. She asked if the Village closes off the bridge could the Mayor do a dialogic message. Mayor Humpage stated he was doing a message at 3:30pm. Vice Mayor Watkins explained let the residents know it is critical, or Council would not be doing this; and say whatever it should say to lower the irate level. Council Member Genco commented also that boats should to be returned to port that might not be needed. Village Manager Couzzo noted Council Member Paterno mentioned a real situation, when a boat went underneath the bridge and concrete fell from the deck and into his boat, and it was very fortunate that the person had his children in the back of the boat. He commented the Village would not want that debris to hit someone in the head. Council Member Genco stated there is . more construction and redevelopment going on now than in the past, so more traffic is using the bridge. She stated the bridge was never meant to have that kind of traffic. Village Manager Couzzo agreed, and noted there aze very serious loads going over the budge now than m the past. Council Member Genco pointed out the huge trucks, and the mansions that are being built, all those materials need to go over the bridge. Mayor Humpage stated another thing when he read the report, it does say to close to vehicular and marine traffic, but noted already people are being stopped, and he has received a half dozen or so calls asking about the pedestrian and bicycle traffic. He noted he already had two calls regarding taking the golf cart over. Council Member Genco suggested golf carts should not be on the Bridge anyway because they do not belong on the roads. She suggested pedestrians and bicycles be allowed. Mayor Humpage noted these are good questions the Council will get. Council Member Paterno noted in his opinion the Village has to do something, as faz as if Council decides to close the bridge to traffic, make it acceptable, maybe block it off and make it to the westbound side. He stated he thought foot traffic on the westbound lane would be okay, as the real problem was not the steel beam being exposed but the strands were broken on bridge. He stated they can be fixed, but there is another problem. He noted in regazd to Public Safety; he mentioned concerns if someone has a problem, what was the Village going to do. He suggested maybe only fire rescue go over if it is an extreme emergency. Chief James Weinand, Village Fire Chief stated as of 12:30 p.m. today, he has been working with Chief Jim St. Pierre, PBC Battalion Chief, District i, and they have been reprogramming the CAD system and the radios on the County level. He noted it does not only affect Tequesta, it also affects the County area, • Bermuda Tertace and others. He noted they aze working together on a resolution out there. 4 Minutes -Emergency Special Village Council Meeting January 27, 2006 Page 5 • Chief Weinand commented they have a fix for the weekend, First Presbyterian Church, is letting the fire personnel stay there. He noted they have three personnel stationed on that side of the bridge, and three on this side of the bridge, and also utilizing Palm Beach County Station 19 to come azound and help with the Country Club azea, and Station 11 on this side of the bridge. Council Member Paterno asked what about the railroad tracks being closed. Chief Weinand noted PBC Station 18 would be coming up this way to help on the railroad crossing this weekend. He stated County Line Road and Riverside Drive crossings are open. Council Member Genco asked about Mutual Aid -why not just shift areas, and let the Village take over some of the County area, and let them take over the azea on the other side of the bridge. Chief Weinand responded the Village is basically doing that, but noted Palm Beach County is dealing with another issue over there, Loxahatchee River Drive Bridge is shutdown. Council Member Genco commented there is a unit over by the satellite dishes. Chief Weinand explained that is in Martin County Station 36. Council Member Genco suggested Martin County cover Tequesta, and we cover their azea over on this side, and just do a swap. She commented she has to think cost of overtime, and plus the Village does not have the staff. Chief Weinand stated to come from Tequesta Drive station and up to County Line Road, and back over to Tequesta Drive Bridge is over 6.8 miles, and almost 15 minutes. Council Member Genco asked if normal was just over 6 minutes. Chief Weinand agreed if someone went straight across the bridge. Chief Weinand commented Palm Beach County Station 19, the western station out on Central Boulevazd is just 1/10 of a mile closer than Tequesta if going azound. He pointed out both • stations can not service Tequesta. Council Member Genco stressed Martin County Station is the one the Village should look to. Chief Weinand noted Martin County Station is about 5.4 miles, and about a 10 to 12 minute response time. He pointed out Martin County is m then CAD system, and is the first one due, in addition to the Village units there. He commented when you get into those response times, the likelihood of the fire would probably be low, but in reality if someone has a heart attack a unit would need to be there in 4-6 minutes. Council Member Genco indicated she was more worried about the paramedic, then the fire truck. Chief Weinand explained if the stations are left the way they are, Palm Beach County will cover it, and may not meet the response time either. Council Member Genco asked if Staff could find out what their response time would be. Chief Weinand stated their response time would be 9 minutes back to the south side of the bridge from Station 36, because the times have been measured. Chief Jim Pierre commented Tequesta has been dealing with the reduced load over the bridge, and the lazger engines can not go over the bridge, so they had to come up with a plan to get to the people on the other side of the bridge. Mayor Humpage pointed out the fire department is already set up on the other side of the bridge. Chief Weinand noted at this time they are set up at First Presbyterian Church. Mayor Humpage questioned whether the Village is set up for good response times. Chief Weinand agreed. Mayor Humpage explained they could maintain that location for four or five days, and until the Village receives some direction. Council Member Genco questioned how many personnel does it take to manage a paramedic truck. Chief Weinand pointed out the minimum they should have is three. Council Member Genco questioned how many personnel do they need on the fire truck. • 5 Minutes -Emergency Special Village Council Meeting January 27, 2006 Page 6 • Chief Weinand explained state law requires four for interior firefighting. He stated there is a provision in the State law that if there is immediate rescue of life safety that they are allowed to enter with less than four people, but it has to be apparent immediate rescue. Council Member Genco stressed she would look to Martin County for backup. Council Member Paterno mentioned even though they are stationed on the west side of the bridge, his main concern was getting the people to the hospital emergency room, and noted it is often a minimum of 25 minutes. He asked if there were a critical situation would the fire rescue be allowed to go over the bridge. Chief Weinand stated no, and noted the fire rescue trucks are like emergency rooms. He commented if fire rescue can not stabilize the patient in the truck, then they probably are not going to make it even if the transport was 20 minutes. Assistant Village Manager Garlo asked where Trauma hawk would land. Chief Weinand stated they could land on the golf course, or if the Trauma hawk was going to St. Mary's, many times Tequesta fire rescue will drive to St. Mary's Hospital, because it ends up being the same amount of time as dispatching Trauma Hawk to the scene. Vice Mayor Watkins asked how many people were at First Presbyterian Church. Chief Weinand stated there were three people and they would be there all weekend long. Council Member Paterno stated there is one fire truck, and one fire rescue truck over at the church right now. Chief Weinand stated if they get a medical call, all three personnel would get on the ambulance, and if they get a fire call, all three personnel would get on the fire truck, and then other units would be dispatched with them to backup them up. Mayor Humpage asked to hear from Chief Allison regarding the Police Department. • Police Chief Steve Allison stated they would maintain one person west of the river at all times, and the marine unit was assigned from 7:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m. He commented the police department is passing out flyers to redirect the people. Council Member Genco asked what has DOT offered the Village in the way of temporary assistance to help with all this. Village Manager Couzzo stated it is not really their problem it is the Village's problem, since it is our road, our bridge. He stated the Village was going to try and pursue those things. Council Member Genco suggested if the Village closes the bridge, Council should declare a State of Emergency, because the Village might be eligible for state funds. Village Manager Couzzo agreed. He felt that might be a good idea, and suggested Council may want to declare a state of emergency. Council Member Genco felt the Village should try and get as much help as they can. Village Manager Couzzo explained legislatively the Village was already trying to lobby the State to assist the Village with repair funding for the bridge. Vice Mayor Watkins questioned how did the bridge get into this state, if they inspected it in March, and it is now in this shape. Council Member Paterno felt the problem has been that they have not been properly inspecting, and going under the bridge like they should. He felt they have been neglecting going under there and really looking good at it, and just quickly looking and say it is ok. He explained yesterday they went under the bridge and looked up and could see him through the bridge. He felt the bridge does not deteriorate that fast and that the primary problem was the jet skis spraying salt water on the bridge, if the salt water hits the same spot, time after time, deterioration starts and occurs over time. Mayor Humpage thanked everyone for the cooperation. He suggested Council make two motions. He felt the suggestion by Council • Member Genco on issuing a State of Emergency was excellent. 6 Minutes -Emergency Special Village Council Meeting January 27, 2006 Page 7 . MOTION: Council Member Genco made a motion to close the Tequesta Drive Bridge to all vehicular and marine traffic, effective immediately, and that all the necessary signs are posted to close traffic pending further study by the Department of Transportation, at which time the Council will reconvene and reevaluate the condition of the bridge, and that pedestrian and bicycle traffic be allowed, but no golf carts. She due to the fact the Village has been notified by the DOT that the bridge has critical deficiencies that require prompt corrective action; Vice Mayor Watkins seconded the motion, which carried unanimously 4-0. Village Manager Couzzo suggested it might be advisable to just have the westbound pedestrian lane open, and everything on the south side closed. Council Member Genco noted that was something that could be handled administratively, that it did not need to be part of the motion. Village Manager Couzzo asked about the fishing on the bridge. Council Member Genco noted pedestrian and fishing could be allowed. MOTION: Council Member Genco made a motion that the Village of Tequesta declare a State of Emergency due to the closing the bridge, and that Staff takes what action they can to approach the state, county, Department of Transportation, and other agencies for emergency aid; Vice Mayor Watkins seconded the motion, which carried unanimously 4-0. Mayor Humpage noted the Chief s, and the Public Works department can take it from here. He asked that the Village Manager keep Council abreast of the information, and hopefully the Village could work diligently and quickly. Council Member Genco asked if the Mayor was • going to do a dialogic message. Mayor Humpage agreed. Council Member Paterno asked that the departments notify the proper people so no one is missed, and asked that Staff notify the school board and any other agencies that may be affected of the bridge closing. Village Manager Couzzo stated they had already notified the School Board. Mayor Humpage commented the school buses have already been rerouted. He mentioned the Village is handing out a flyer to everyone regazding the bridge closing. He stated they are trying to do as much as they can in a short period of time. Vice Mayor Watkins stated Staff was to be commended for doing as much as they have done in the short amount of time. She noted this was a monumental thing to do. Council Member Genco pointed out it is very difficult because the Village has unincorporated Martin County, and unincorporated Palm Beach County, and those routes are not under the control of the Village. She questioned if the Village was going to be able to explain the situation to everyone in the dialogic message. Village Manager Couzzo indicated the signage would help, and that an email was sent to the media as well as everyone on the Village's email list telling them of the bridge closing. He noted the Village is trying to get the message out as much as possible. Mayor Humpage suggested notifying the Martin County Sheriff's Office. Council Member Paterno asked if Palm Beach County was going to handle their unincorporated azeas on the west side of the bridge. Chief St. Pierre indicated they would handle the Palm Beach County unincorporated area. Village Manager Couzzo stated in the budget for this yeaz Council had approved $130,000 for restoration of the bridge bank, which has not been done. He stated these funds needed to be re- • appropriated from Capital to an operating fund. 7 Minutes -Emergency Special Village Council Meeting January 27, 2006 Page 8 He mentioned he planned to bring it back to Council for approval at the February Meeting, so Staff could start moving ahead with the engineering, and overtime. He mentioned he would like to start moving ahead with the engineering immediately. Council Member Genco suggested waiting until Council gets the final report on the bridge. She indicated Staff could have the engineers lined up. She asked if Staff could start looking into various funding sources. Village Manager Couzzo stated Staff has already started the process, and would contact the State, Martin County, and other sources. Mayor Humpage commented Representative Negron would be available this Saturday, from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm, and that he would speak with him. Village Manager Couzzo noted Staff would put a notice on the Tequesta Country Club. Mayor Humpage thanked Staff, Fire Chief Weinand and Police Chief Allison for all the work they have done concerning the Bridge. IV. ADJOURNMENT MOTION: Vice-Mayor Watkins moved to adjourn the meeting; seconded by Council Member Paterno; motion passed 4-0. The meeting was adjourned at 4:00 P.M. :.~. -ate ~~k.~.'o~-e, • --wen Carlisle Village Clerk •