HomeMy WebLinkAboutDocumentation_Regular_Tab 08_04/13/2006 MINUTES
... VILLAGE OF TEQUESTA
EMERGENCY SPECIAL VILLAGE COUNCIL MEETING
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2006
11:00 A.M.
I. CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL
The Tequesta Village Council heid an Emergency Special Viilage Council Meeting at the
Tequesta Recreation Center, 399 Seabrook Road, Tequesta, Florida, on Thwsday,
February 2, 2006. T'he meeting was called to order at 11:03 a.m. A ro11 call was taken by
Viliage Clerk Gwen Carlisle. Council Members present were: Mayor Jim Humpage,
Vice Mayor Pat Watkins, Council Mernber Geraldine A: Genco, and Council Member
Tom Paterno. Also in attendance were: Village Attomey Scott Hawkins, Attorney
Sterling Clarke, Village Manager Michael R. Cou.za.o, Jr., Viliage Cterk Gwen Carlisle,
Department Heads. .
II. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
MOTICIN: Vice Mayor Watkins moved to approve the agenda, as submitted; seconded by
Council Member Genco; motion passed 4-0.
III. Discussion and possible action regarding recommendation for Tequesta Drive
Bridge by the Department of Transportation/Kisinger Campo & Associates (KCA).
Mayor Humpage noted he will make a brief opening statement and then the other Council
Members can make their comments. He read the following: "The Viliage's first priarity must be
and has been the safety of the residents and our visitors. Upon notificatian by the state on
Friday, January 27, 2006, at 2:00 p.m., the Village closed the Tequesta Drive Bridge for thaY very
reason. Since Friday, t�e Village has made every effvrt to gain additionai information and take
steps necessary ta protect the health and safety of aur citizens and other peopie and individuals."
He stated the Vittage, along with Martin County, Palm Beach Caunty, and the Village personnel
has made arrangements to ensure the public safety. He stated that toda.y's discussion will
address the problem, and what direction Cc�uncil should pursue, both as a tempora.ry solution as
weli as a permanent salution.
Mayor Humpage introdnced individuais who were in attendance at the meeting. Those present
were; Ms. Gin.ger Baldwin, Senator Ken Pruitt's office, Ms. I�olly Demers, Represetttative Joe
Negron's office, Ms. Sheri Healey, Representative Carl Domino's office, Mr. Joe Quintana,
Department of Transportation, Mr. Bill Reese, Reese Macon Associates, Mr. Thomas I,oCicero
and Mr. Ken Reinholt, Kisinger Campo & Associates (state engineers), Mr. Char�ie Rich, Palm
Beach County, Engineering division, Ms. Cindy DeFilippo, Commissioner Karen Ma.rcus's
office, and Martin County Commissioner Lee VVeberman, Mayor Humpage stated everyone is
represented from between the counties and municipatities, and many residents.
Vice Mayor Watkins explained Council takes this matter very ser�ously, that it imPacts everyone,
the residents as well as the businesses. She mentioned this decision was not made Iightly, and
Minutes — Emergency Special Village Council Meeting
February 2, 2006
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wanted to thank the Vil�age Manager and anyane involved in getting the bridge closed on Friday
and getting the word out as quickly as possible ta the schools for the school buses, etc.
She mentianed Mayor Humpage made a dialogic message to the residents, noted this was
something Council felt they needed to do. She thanked the public for their patience, and
cammented Council is trying to be very cautious in loaking at the bridge and making the right
decision for everyone. She thanked CommissionerWeberman who called her on Saturday when
he heazd the news about the bridge and offered the assistance of Martin County. She asked that
the public be patient as Council was trying to do what is in the best interests far the residents,
since this is a very serious prvblem. Council Member Paterno reiterated, Council is there to do
wkcat is best interest of the cammunity and t� get the bridge fixed as quickly as possible. He
noted that is the goal today. Council Member Genco wantecl to thank everyone that showed up to
the meeting. She hoped they waula help in resolving tl�is issue for aIl the residents and
surrounding areas.
Village Attomey Scott Hawkins wanted to xeassure the citizens and everyone involved that
Tequesta is moving forward with all involved to resolve this issue, which has been perceived to
be an issue of major regional impact. He stated upan learning of the information on Friday, he
had a detailed conference call with all department heads, and they analyzed how to respond to
the situation. He sta.ted he and his colleagues ha�e reviewed a11 the information, and explained
Ms. Sterling Clarke has assisted him in the process. He stated they are doing everything they can
ta ensure they are acting in view to protect the public health, safety and welfaze of the citizens in
this region. He mentioned Staff has really been on top of this issue and he appreciated the
cooperatian of the Department of Tr�nsportation. He explained the Department of
Transportation has the ongoing obligatzan to inspect under statute; they have received the
Department of Transportation's report and have responded as quickly as possible.
After the above irztroductions Mayor Humpage started to sumrnarize his position and thase of the
engineers. Ms Genco asked that we hear what the Department of Transportation had to say
before we hear additional camments ar�d opinion from the CounciL At that time Mayor
Humpage then asked Mr. Quintana to comxnent, Structural Facilzties Engineer, DOT explained
last Friday he received a ca11 from an inspector at Kisinger Campo, and Associates stating that
they found a serious defieiency on tl�e bridge. He stated soon aft�r they got together and
analyzed ail the facts and they determined that the bridge needed to be closed immediately. He
stated they called the Viliage and they took immediate actian, which he commended them far
taking the proper action. He stated Kisinger Campa and Associates (KCA} is the locat cc�nsultant
for the locai government inspection prograsn. He explained this pragram is federally sponsored
and is on a 2-year basis; and every two years DOT selects a consultant and for the past two yeazs
they have had KCA. He stated they have been with the DdT program before, and in his view
they have done everything by the book, and the final result was actually done. He stated they
were able to find the deficiency ahead of time, natify the Village and the bridge was closed, and
now everyone can take it from here.
Mayor Hurnpage introduced Mr. Ken Reinholt, KCA inspector for DOT. Mr. Reinholt sta.ted
that they have worked with DC)T for may years, and have excellent inspectors that work
throughout the state of Florida with DOT and other entities throughout the State of Florida. He
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Minutes — Emergency Special Viliage Council Meeting
February 2, 2006
Page 3
stated their inspectors are we11 quaIif ed; #hey found a deficiency on this particular bridge. He
noted the Tequesta. Drive Bridge is inspected annualiy, because of the Ioad restrictions on this
bridge. He pointed out the deficiencies have increased signif cantly over the last year when they
inspected the bridge. He noted they inspected the bridge in March 2005, and the deficiencies
were there but they have accslerated over the past year. He commentecl one of the main slab
units 3-7 has settled, and the deteriQration af the prestressing strands have become so brittle that
twenty of them are 100% conoded through.
He commented their inspectors found this up close, and called his office; and his off ce's
recommendation to the DOT was that the bridge be closed. He stated fhey do not make it a
policy to go around closing bridges, buut safety is their primary concern and that is why the bridge �
was closed. He stated they cauld talk about other methods and try to get the bridge back in
service. He indicated they would be at the meeting for any questions. :
Mr. Thomas LoCicero, KCA Engineer wanted to compliment the Village on their proactive
response. He stated he has been talking with Village Manager Couzzo and Assistant Manager
Garla since the early inception of this bridges' deterior�tion that has occ�arred. He stated from
their findings this past week it has been a very proactive response fram the Village to get the
speed restrictions posted, because the safety of the public is the number one priority. He stated
this also enta.ils not only vehicular traffic but rr�arine tra�c as we�I. He stated the cause of the
deteriara.tion couid be a combination of both traffic from vehzcles and th� under salt spray from
jet skis, to give the dry and wet of the actual slab to accelerate the corrosion, and even though �
weight anci speed restrictions have been imposed, prior to closing �he bz�dge, anci they have
photos to depict this, the bridge is still getting a substantial amaunt of heavy vehicular traffia He
stated once the Unit 3-7 wa.s to the point where it was getting close to failure, it did not take
much in a very short time to completely fail, and that is where the bridge is at this point.
Council Member Genco stated she was laoking at the report from KCA, dated January 31, 2006,
�nc3 that was a sumxnary sheet of the lo�c� r�ting, She noted his first comment was based on the
January 28, 2006 fi�ld inspection, noting that the bridge had twenty-two pre-stressed strands that
were deteriorated; two strands had 1 QO% section loss, eleven strands had 50% section loss, and
th� rernaining nine stra.r�ds had 2S% section loss. She mentianed as a resuit af that review, their
analysis said that the Village should post the bridge for an STS tyge vehicie. She questioned
what was an STS type vehicie. Mr. LoCicero explained under the contract with the FDOT their
io�ci rating obiigation is tv not only assess a part�cular bridge for what they called the design
load, that is the load that you actuaily see in the set of plans, but to add to that they are supposed
to ana.lyze, based on what they ca11 the Seven Florida Lega1 Loads. He stated with those legal
Io�ds, there are three �if£erent groups: 1) single unit vehicies (concrete tnacks, gravel trueks etc),
which can go anywhere from two to four axel eonf gurations; 2) commerczal vehicles, (moving
trucks wl�ich can go from three to five aa�els; and 3) STS, which still needs to be ana.lyzed and
considereci, bt�t fox the area in which that bridge is loc�tect, he dic� not think the �illage woutd see
the piggyback tandem trailers, that can have f ve a�els and a double tandem set�p on their mai�
cab.
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Minutes — Emergency Special Village Council Meeting
February 2, 2006
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Council Mernber Genco stated what Mr. LoCicero was stating is that the Village needed to post
the bridge for all kinds of vehicles. Mr. LoCicero stated those Florida loads that are designated
by the state, this is a case where ali seven need to be restricted. Couticil Member Genco clarified
then any kind of vehicle encompassed in this STS type vehiele. Mr. LoCicero agreed that is
correct. Council Member Genco again referred to the same report, noting it stated "at or below
number eleven, fifteen and seventeen tons; our recommendations� include a blanket posting of
eleven tons if the bridge is to return to service one lane, two way traffic". She stated if she was
reading that correctly, he was saying, the bridge can be retumed to service for an eleven-ton or
less vehicle provided the Village goes to one-way tra.ffic, which in this case would be
westbound.
Mr. LoCicero agreed, and stated their recommendation based on the analysis findings, if they
were to set aside those Florida Legal Loads, the worse case on the actual tonnages, which is the
SU being the most stringent, and that is why they came in with a blanket posting of eleven tons.
He noted with particular weight restriction criteria, (the failed slab is in the eastbound Iane) they
recommendea travel in the westbound direction as proposed, in order to maintain two-way tr�affic
and it would have to be manneci 24/7. Council Member Genco reiterated with an eleven-tan
vehicle, generally speaking, what would be the highest category vehicle that would represent.
Mr. LoCicero responded 11 tons would be light trucks, light weighted garbage trucks, or lower
ciass fire trucks. Council Member Genco asked if that woula be a lower ciass commercial `
vehicte. Mr. LoCicero responded yes.
Councii Member Genco stated obviousiy something needed to be implemented to restore the
eastbaund lane. She stated she understood there were problems with the Vill�ge getting a permit
because of the current type of pilings the bridge has. Sne asked if it was possible to get an
exemption from the requirement of upgrading the pilings in order to repair the bridge. Mr.
I,oCicem stated he was not at liberty to answer that, as their firm only provic_ied th� inspection
services for the DOT. Council Member Genco asked if was anyone in the room tha.t could
address the issue. Village Manager Couzzo stated that ttle Village was addressing the issue, that
through Reese Macon �nd Associates and a 2ocal stn�ct�iral bridge designer vvho sholxld conclude
their analysis tamorraw. Council Member Genco asked if there was anyone pres�nt today who
handled the pernuts. Village Manager Couzzo sta.ted no one was present.
Council Member Genco stated she had one other concern which was a DOT issue. 5he stated the
bridge they are using right now £or access in and out of the Village is the bridge that is on the
north fork af the I.oxahatchee Riv�r, which is on County Line Road in Martin County. She
stated when she is c�riving on the bridge there are trucks that have four or five �eis, which are
the largest flatbed trucks that is completely loaded with concrete blocks for construction. She
stated that if the road �ontinues having that load go over the north folk bridge, is that going to 1�e
something that will be deterioratin,� that bridge. Mr. Reinholt stated if the truck carries the Iega1
weights there should be no problem with the bridge. Council Member Genco asked if that bridge
could handle every type of cammerciai vehicle. Mr. Reinholt asked if the bridge was posted.
Council Member Genco felt it was not. Mr. Quintana responded then it is open to all legal Ioads.
Councii Member Genco stated then that bridge would have nc� problenn at all handling alI loaded
or types of vehicles that might go over it. Mr. Quintana stated they should be fine if they carry
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February 2, 2(}46
Page 5
the allowed weight, but if they were above, then they would. need a permit to go aver the bridge.
Cauncil Member Genco commented then the Village might have concerns on following up on
that, because the Village may need to monitor it. She asked if that was a possibility. Mr.
Quintana noted if the bridge is not posted, he does not see a problem.
Ma.rtin County Commissioner Lee Weberman stated their engineering department needed to
work with the Viliage Manager to make sure that both sides of the county line are working
together. He stated the Village could post as many signs as they want but if no one is going to
enforce the bridge loads, then you are just deceiving yourself. He commented he did not think
this issue was going to be resolved today, but in working with Vzllage staff, he wanted to make
sure bath engineering departments are in unison, and they fallow up vuith enforcement. He
stressed in following up, he wanted to make sure it did not cause a problem samewhere else.
He stated he felt the Martin County bridge was posted in the past with the load limits, and was
not posted at this time, but he noted that was a political decision, not an engineering deeision.
Council Member Genco thanked Mr. Weberman.
Council Member Genco asked on an intermediate basis; the bridge is now being closed and final
resolution of the problem, was it the �mpression that Council could open up the westbound lane.
Mr. LoCicero responded that Iow rating results, taking in account the primary emphasis of the
condition af the superstructure, which are the slab units, the westbound lane can be, in their '
opinion, maintained two-way, if the V illage does a blanket posting of el�ven tons, Council
Member Genco stated that if the Viilage goes to a repair situation, and we are repairing the
eastbound lane, would they be able to maintain the westbound tra�e lane ar will it have to be
closed to do the repairs. Mr. LoCicerv responded it depended on how you set up your
maintenance of �raffic, or traffic control. He stated the good thing is, that either way af travel,
whether eastbound or westbound, the structural makeup, the transverse rods that connect all the
slab units together, that it does not go continuous from one side of the bridge to the other; they
stop at the midpoint of the bridge so you have some strength in the westbo�znd side of the bridge
that can be maintained whiie you make repairs to the eastbaund side because it is segregated.
Mayor Humpage stated that the DOT stated that the superstructure of the bridge was okay up to
eleven tons, but asked if DOT was making any type of call on the portion under the bridge that
supports the superstruch�re. Mr. LoCicero responded that is called a substracture. Mayor
Humpage asked if the inspectors have taken any consideration the ability of the substructure
when they say the westbound lanes cauld be opened. Mr. LoCicero responded when they took
into account the recammendation they made, when they performed their routine inspection,
(Befare tlungs got critical with that particular slab unit}; they looked at both the superstructure
and substructure. He indicated in this case, based on that finding and how they have moved along
to where they are at now, the emphasis on the failure of that one superstructure unit, if the
Village maintains the eleven-ton weight limit that would pertain to the bridge as a whole.
Council Member Genco mentioned when KCA did their inspection a yeaz ago it appeared the
superstn�cture and the surface had not separated. She stated it separated wizhin the last year, and
questioned whether this couid be hurricane rela�ed damage. Iv1'r. Reinholt responded no, and felt
the wind did not do any addztional damage to the bridge.
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Minutes — Emergency Special Village Council Meeting
February 2, 2006
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Mayor Hurnpage explained the State said the Village could open the westbound Iane, and that the
superstructure and substructure are okay. He commented the Village has commissioned a study
through Reese Macon and Associates to be sure the superstructure was okay. Mr. Bill Reese, .
Principai, Reese Macon and Associates stated the Village conta.cted them when a boater had
observed some falling debr�s from the bridge. He mentioned they reviewed the inspection report
from DOT, but the Village asked them to have an independent consultant Iook at the bridge to
see if there was a problem. He stated they did the study and made the recommendatian to the
Village that there was a level of concern and recommended that the speed limit and weight limit
be reduced; he also recommended the Village contact the DOT and have thern come back out
and look at the bridge a second time. He commented on Monday this week the Village asked
them to again look at the bridge and offer their apinion on what it wouid take ta reopen the
bridge and under what limited condition. Council Member Genco asked if they were going to do
an independent stress a.nd load test. Village Manager Couzzo responded that they are doing it
now, and that they should be done with the tests by tomonow.
Council Member Genco asked if this was going to be done by a bridge specialist. Mr. Reese
responded yes. He stated that they are asking the specialist to report: I) what it will take to
reopen the bridge and under what conditions it can be reopened, and 2) the speciatist should tell
tbem what repairs should be done. Council Member Genco asked fihey were planning on
codifying or confirming the �resent report from KCA. Mr. Reese responded that wot�ld be an
independent determination as to what they feel is appropriate. Council Member Genco
questioned if after KCA advised the Viilage, then aid they intend to go ahead and utilize Reese
Macon for resolving a pla.n af action. Mr. Reese responded yes, they would recommend a
developmenta.l plan of action to effectuate repairs. Council Member Genco asked if there was a
question of the validity of the KCA report. Mr. Reese responded he had no reason to think there
was, but he had no basis to say there was not either. He stated he would need to hear from the
bridge design associate, and on Tuesda.y morning he engaged them to start this process; they
looked at it Tuesday and on Wednesday they stated they needed additional data; which they
provided. He mentioned the bridge associate needed t� come oux and iook at the bridge which he
is doing tomanrow morning. Mayor Humpage sta.ted Cauncil could probably base their decision
today on the DOT report, but felt it would be wise to be guarded that the Village's engineers feel
the same. Council Member Genco stated Council is going to be making a decision taday and she
wanted to make sure that that decision was not going to ehange.
Vice Mayor Watkins wanted know haw the bridge could have been okay in March and now
needs to be shut immediately. She stated her confidence vvas a Iittle shaky and she needed to be
thoroughly convinced that the bridge was safe before she wouid ever vote to allow traffic to go
over it. She commented her primary responsibility was the safety of the citizens. She asked if it
would be clased to school buses. Mr. LoCicero responded yes. Vice Mayar Watkins stated she
had no level of comfort when it came to opening up the westbound lane for tra�c until, at the
very least, until they heard from Reese Macon. She stated she is not an engineer and she had to
nnake her best guess on what information she received from the engineers. She stated it is a very
serious situation. She felt she would rather incur the ire of the residents over their frustration in
having to go around and spend more time, than have sameone get hurt. She stated her Ieve1 of
comfort at this time would be to do nothing until the Village had the other report.
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Minutes — Emergency Special Village Council Meeting
February 2, 2Q06
Page 7
Council Member Genco stated that is why they called this meeting to resolve this problem but
yet they did nc�t have all the information. She sta.ted she was dismayed that they did not address
these things in a timely manner so that they could have this me�ting. Vice-Mayor Watkins asked
if the report comes back from Reese Macvn that they are okay with this; then maybe they couid
reconvene or let the Manager know that it is okay.
Council Member Paterno asked in reference to using the westbound lane, that cars and trucks
going over the bridge will cause vibrations, could it be that the potential slab would fall into the
waster. Mr. LoCicero responded by sta.ting that no matter what the additional report stated,
based on the report from DOT and KCA, the condition of the bridge would warrant some type of
monitoring. He stated that they needed a plan of action that would go into a period of time,
which the Village was working on from his understanding. He sta.ted if the bridge is posted at
eleven tons, it would need to be looked at on a frequent basis to verify that no continued
. deterioration vvas happening or the deteriaratian has not been accelerated. He stated that what he
meant by accelerated deterioration is both topszde and underside.
He stated it would be taking heavy trucks off the bridge if the Village decided to utilize the
westbound lane at a restricted weight. He stated it would have to be manned 24/7 because of the
heavy truck traffic that would constantly pound that structure in addition to the salt-water spray
from underneath. Council Member Genco sta.ted that until they deveiop a replacement plan of
action, based upon what the DOT said, she would like to see them limit traffic in the westbourid
lane to residential traffic only. She stated they should not allow any type of commercial vehicle
over the bridge because then yau get into the issue of having to monitor the weight. Mayor
Humpage stated you would stiIl have to manitar the bridge. Council Member Genco felt not
having access to this side of the Village, including Martin aud Pa1m Beach County, would
severely impact businesses. She stated that if they allow only residential traffic, they could get
mare service out of the bridge and serve the residents and businesses. Council Member Paterno
asked if they atlowed people to go over, would they continue to have tite falling concrete anto
the boaters. Mr. LoCicero responded that based upon the inspection reports that he had seen,
along with a visual inspection that he conducted this marning, with the condikian of the bridge as
it is, there was a p4tentiai that existed that the bridge will have continued delaminating
underneath. Council Member Paterno confirmed with Mr. LoCicero that he was recommending
� that the boat traffic cease until the bridge was repaired. Mr. LoCicero sta.ted yes, and noted
Councii's number one priority was the public safety, and that included vehicular and marine
traffic.
Mayor Hurnpage sta.ted Council has been inundated with calls, and their first question was how
could they have been driving over the bridge Thursday but on Friday they cannat drive on it at
all. He stated the reasan the Village took on this independent stizdy was so they would be
comfortabie with the decision they make. He stated that he read the bridge inspections for both
March and August. He sta.ted that the inspections are fairly identicaL He sta,ted the only issue
the State had was with a bank problem, which the Village had budgeted this yeaz. He
commented the rating of the bridge was the same both in March and Augezst.
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Minutes — Emergency Special Village Council Meeting
February 2, 2006
Page 8
Mayor Hurnpage felt what was happening from August until last Friday, the 27 of January, the
wheels have fallen off the bridge. He stated that a resident happened to observe it and contacted
Mr. Paterno. He noted this is what brought this new survey forward.
Mayor Humpage stated for the record that when the report said it is a bank issue and 10% of the
cabling or less of the underside was distressed, and now we are at twenty-two strands broken .
from Aug�.tst to January, it seems to him that "someone missed the boat". He stated that he had
gotten a tot of phone calls; one resident stopped him at a red light. He stated he is sure the
residents are not happy with how this has evolved. He stated it is the obligation of the State to
do these inspections since the Village is not the authority here. He commented the Viilage is
doing everything they can to get the residents back over the bridge but he expressed to the State,
that they do a little more due diligence when they insgect the bridge again as well as other
b�idges. He stated he was a littIe disappointed in the reports beca2ase he does not see a dramatic
difference from Mazch to August. Thus, he feels more comfortable taking the information he
had received and giving it to the Village's engineers and having tl�em come to the Village sta.ting
they either agree ar do not agree. He stated he waulci not want to agree with the report and then
have an issue with t12e bridge. He wanted someone else to step up to the plate and state they
agree with the DOT's findings and to open up the west side. Council Member Genco stated that
was her earlier poi.nt. She stated that by not inspecting the underside of the bridge and just doing
a service inspection, things are getting missed.
She commented we live in an area where the bridges are critical and she strongly suggested that
bridges that are subject to saltwater spray should be inspected on a rautine basis. Council
Member Paterno stated that one thing with the inspection that was brought to his attenrion was
that the jet skis are part of the problem because they spray the water underneath the bridge. He
asked Mr. LoCicero if he ever recommended to the cities that this was occurring and actian
should be taken so that it daes not deteriorate the bridge. Mr. LoCicero stated in 1997 or 1998
they started noticing the first phase of the delaminations on the underside of the slabs; in 1999
they started getting the initiation of the spails, going along with the c�elaminations overall. He
stated that when they do an inspection, and it is a full in-depth znspectian, they have an actual
section where if they notic� any delaminations or spalls on the underside of the slab units, there
is a section in the report where it says "repair spatls and delaminations on the undersides of slab�
units" and they will tist out those recommendations based on those deficiencies for each
particular member. Council Member Paterno stated they did receive that and that no coneetive
action had been recommended since 1997. Mr. Reinholt stated that was incorrect, that they laad
recommended the corrective aetion for the siab units for ten years. He stated that the Iast time
they inspected this bridge was in March 2005, and he was not aware of a report from August.
Mayor Humpage stated he had it in front af him. He sta,ted he was not aware of that report but
apparently they inspected the bridge in August. Council Member Genco read from the report
that sta.ted there were some cracking and apalescence with one distressed area with 10°l0 or less.
Council Member Paterna stated that when it was brought to his attention in November, they had
� their engineer go out and re-inspect in January. He confirmed that what Mr. Reinholt is saying is
that from August to November the one strand with twenty pieces snapped in two manths, tha# it
deteriorated that bad.
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Mr. Reinholt responded that the August inspection, which they are under contract with the DOT
to do damage assessment after hurricanes, but one aspect they do not look at is the untierside of
the slab units. They look for major areas of erosion or scour at the bridge after a hurricane goes
through. They are not required to do a structural assessment of the underside of the bridge. He
stated his last inspection of the bridge was in Mazch 2005, and they did look at the underside of
the slab units. He stated #heir recommendation is in the report to repair those delaminations; and
the recommendations were also made up to 1996 on those slab units and spalls. He noted all their
reports are turned over tQ the city.
Council Member Genco stated that she looked at the reports going back to 2042. She stated they
reflect the same thing that the August 2005 report shows. She stated this goes back to the public
safety issue, which is beyond what the Village has. She stated they needed to start inspecting the
underside af the bridges as a part of the annuai review. She stated that if this was not picked up,
and if DOT is sa.ying they did pick it up but the report did not indicate it, those two things are not
consistent. Ivlr. Reinholt responded by stating that the deterioration had increased over the Iast
year, coupled with the conosion process, those strands deteriorating and becoming brittle, the
load going over ihem, the slab units are acting independentIy, and it fractured that slab unit.
Council Member Genco sta.ted that the August 26 report, after Hurricaue Katrina, does not
reflect that. Mr. Reinholt responded by stating all they were there for was humcane assessment
and scouring, Council Member Genco rezterated that she looked at the reports going back to
2002 and they are identical with the August 26�' report. She stated this is why she was �
concerned. She wanted to knc�w what they missed and what if anything contributed to the
accelerated conosion and asked about bridges in the surrounding areas.
Mr. Quintana stated jet skis excel corrosion, and there are things you can do to protong the
bridge but you cannot bring it back to great condition. He stated the clamage ta the Burt
Reynnlds Bridge was ident�ed and repaired, which prolonged the life of the bridge. Ms. Genco
asked about repairs to the Bridge and if in fact the bridge eould be repaired. Whether an
exception could be give from the currez�t bridge con.structaon standards as well as how long Mr.
Quintana thought it wauld take. Mr. Quintana said it absolutely couid be repaired and that an
exception could be granted. He alsa noted tha.t fast tracking the repairs could take as little as 3
weeks including iead time. Noting that there was an on going repair of the bridge on
Loxai�atchee River Drive. Ms Genco noted that it was her opinion that the Village set up its own
annual review and inspection of the Bridge.
Mayor Humpage refened to a report that was dated March 15, 2005. He stated there are five
areas af checkmarks: "this report identifies def ciencies which require prompt corrective action"
and this section is not checked; "structurally deficient" is not checked; he st�.ted that the "state
missed the Uoat". He stated that if these are structural issues and they cannot support traff'ic, then
someone should have cheeked "this report identifies deficiencies which require prompt
corrective action". He stated that he eauld see where 10% of the underside is an issue, or that the
underside is spalied. He stated this certainly daes not create a timefrazne where the bridge is shut
down. He stated he thinks the state needed to do a little bit more diligence when they do the
reports. Mr, Reinholt stated they did make recommenda�kions that are in a separate section in the
back. He referred to the March report, page 11.
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Minutes — Emergency Special Village Council Meeting
February 2, 2006
Page 10
Council noted their report did not include page 11. Mayor Humpage stated he wanted the
inspections to be thorough in the fiiture and wanted the people "back in business". He sta.ted
they need the co�dence level of their engineers to make this happen. Mr. Reinholt stated their
recornmendation is the westbound lane couid be open with restrictions; if the Village had :
concerns about this, then they can monitor the bridge weekly or monthiy to ensure there are no
other problems occurring on the structure while traffic is going over. He stated that the same
thing should apply to the marine traffic. Mr. LoCicero sta�ed, that based upon the analysis, the
eleven tons is their recommendation based on the extension of the �OT. He sta.ted, the Village
being the owrier, has the jurisdiction to post it at eleven tons or anything below that, as long as it
was not Iess than three tons because then you have to close the � bridge according to federal
guidelines. Vice Mayor Watkins asked about slab 3-7. She read from the report "it appears that
this slab is fractured in two". She stated she does not understand bridge construction but if it was
fractured in two, she wanted to know how the bridge was safe. Mr. LoCicero responded by
st�ting that the transverse continuity comes into play for this particulaz bridge, from a design
standpoint, you have an area where you have to look at. He stated they took ttus into account
with �he eastbound out; they took into account certain materials, stress reductions when they did
their analysis. He commented to play it safe, he stated they always err on the side of caution He
stated that they had an ariginal set of plans to go by but in this case, the �ransverse continuity that ,
tied those three main slab units together had separatecl. T'hus, the westbound had its own
continuity, not strong contineuty, but the eastbound continuity wa5 gone, He sta.ted that as Mr.
Reinholt stated earlier, those slab units were working independentiy of each other, and there is
no tying them together side by side. Vice Mayor Watkins asked if Reese Macon was looking at
the pilings or if they are just looking at how the Village can do a quick fix.
Village Manager Couzzo responded they are looking at the entire bridge. He stated that what
they did was err on the side of caution and went out and got a secc�nd opinion. He stated he
found out last night at 8:00 p.m. that the report was not completed but that they had to come out
and analyze the data and do it tamorrow morning. He indicated it gave them some latitude to
make some decisians today based on their report but it will be awhiie before the bridge will be
open. He s.tated that by mid-morning tomorrow, they will know whether the second opiiuon
confirms what the first opinion says, which will give them a greater sense of comfort. He stated
it is a matter of comfort. He stated they do nat want to look down the road and regret their
decision. Council Member Genco stated that regardless of their ability of opening up the bridge
for residential traffic, because of the condition of the bridge, it is going to be restricted for a _
lengthy time, wlaich means that the emergency services are going to suffer. She stated they are
going to suffer, because the Village is going to have to have twa sets of emergency coverage,
one on each side of the bridge. She stated there are mutual aid agreements and she does not
know if there was some way between Palm Beach Cot�nty, Martin County to work out some
sharing on this issue. She sta.ted if they cannot work out some type of sharing, then the Village is
going to incur some serious expenses in making sure the residents have the safety they deserve,
not only the Village's residents but Palm Beach County and Martin County residents as well.
She wouid iike to see the entities get together and come up with some kind of time table where
they could separate and share these responsibilities so that it is not just the Viliage af Tequesta
that is going to have to bear the burden.
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Minutes — Emergency Special Village Council Meeting
February 2, 2006
Page 11 �
Council Member Genco also wanted to know as ta whether the other entities, which are being
serviced by this bridge, were willing to help the Village in resolving the construction and repair
issues. Mayor Humpage questioned where was the council going to go from here, assuming the
Village's engineers agree with the DOT's parameters on the passing of vehicies on the
westbound lane. Mr. Reinho�t stated that upon their inspection this morning, they feit that those
two slab units should be replaced (3-7 and the one adjaeent to it). Mayor Humpage reiterated
they needed to replace the slabs. Mr. Reinholt confirmed this. Mayor Humpage stated they will
figi�re out how the bridge is going to be repaired but right now they need to figure out what is a
temparary fzx for the residents to get around. Comrnissioner Weberman stated that because of the
geography of South Martin County they are partners with Tequesta. He stated that if Mr. Couzzo
would work with their county administrator they would make sure no one suffers with mutual
aid. He commented that Council Member Genco stated earlier that the Village post the bridge
with the load limit, which would restrict cornmercial txaffc. He stated that th� Village needed to
check with their attorney, because he does not believe they couid do that. He siated that you
might be able to restrict it for through traffic, but the way he understood the state laws you couid
not make the distinctian between commercial and residential tr�c. He sta.ted it would be
strictly by the weight you choose to restsict it to. He sta.ted that to build public confidence when
you choose an 11-ton or 10-ton limit, the most important thing is going to be enforcement. He
reiterated that between the Martin County sheriff deputies and Pa1m Beach County, and the
�Viilage staff they can beef up. He stated that .the greatest way to discourage people is ticket
enforcement.
Vi e would want to make a formal re uest to the �
Commissioner Weberman observed that the llag q
DOT so that their over-the-road inspectors can focus on trucks breaking those weight limits. He �
also stated they might want to cc�ntact the U.S. Department of Transportation. He sta.ted they
have over-the-road inspectors. He felt at this point the Village needed to make formal requests
to the other agencies besides the sheriff's office to start ticketing people. He sta�ed that the worst
way to lose public confidence was if you post that bridge, for example, eleven tons and someone
sees a concrete truck going over it. He stated that once you make the decision to open the bridge
they can not do enough enforcement. Mayar Humpage stated now they are at a point where they
are going to apera.te on the assumption that the Village's engineers and the DOT scenario of
eleven tons would be viable on the westbound Iane as a temporary measure.
Council Member Genco stated that based upon what Commissioner Weberman stated earlier, if
they wanted to restrict this to residential tra�c, they can not do this. She felt this was the easiest
way to implement a weight restriction, only t�ecause of the fact that if it was residential traffic
an1y, it ends up being a Iower weight limit. Attorney Hawkins stated he spoke with the
engineers yesterday and told them, when they indicated their recommendation was not ta exceed
11 tons, his initial implication was not to exceed five tons. He s�ated they agreed that you can
always reduce the tonnage and he stated tha.t this would give the Village an extra safery factor.
Council Member Genco asked that if they reduce the tonnage to five tons, would they be
effective in reducing this to residential traffic and was this IegaI. Attorney Hawkins responded
that the Village could restrict weight; he also sta.ted that there are exemprions on the point that if
there is an emergency situation created, as they arguably had here, in terms of being able to
exercise palice power, health and safety. Thus, he sta.ted this might be an exemption that may be
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Minutes — Emergency Special Village Council Meeting
February 2, 2006 �
Page I2
available. He stated he woult� prefer if a more pragmatic exemption dealing with weight, such as
five or six tons. Council Member Genco asked if they end up leaving the State of Emergency and
restricting this to f ve tons, would this be legal. Attorney Hawkins responded he would have to
review it, but he believed it to be legal. Council Member Genco asked the Village Attorney to
review it; she also stated they were waiting far canfirmation that the KCA report has been
confirmed by the Village's engineers.
MOTION: Council Member Genco stated she would like to make a motion that Village
Council take the steps necessary to open up the westbound lane of tra�c, and to put a road
signal or stoplight to enable dess than five-ton vehicles use anly. �
Mayor Humpage sfated if they go to an automated device rather than a flagman, the problem he
saw occurring was in with an emergency vehicle such as a police car ar ambt�lance. Council
Member Genco stated they are going to have ta maintain the dual situation that they have now.
She stated there was no doubt they are going to have to maintain a presence for both the police
and fire over on the west side.
Mayor Humpage asked Attorney Hawkins the issue of the school buses, since he had heard from
many residents. Mayor Hu.mpage asked if they could set a weight restriction to a school bus.
Council Member Genco stated she would not want a school bus to go over the bridge. Mayor
Humpage felt they fell well below the ten tons. Council Member Genco stated she would not
feel safe putting school buses on that bridge. Vice Mayor Watkins a.sked if they do not feel safe
with school buses, then why should they feel safe with the residents. Council Member Genco
responded by stating that residents have vehicles and that from the engineering reports, as long
as it is confirmed, it is more than safe for residential ar vehiciilar traffic. She stated it is a
twenty-minute ride and businesses are suffering but if there is a short-term way to accommodate
the residents, she thinks they should do it. Council Member Paterno asked if the staff had any
icteas regarding flagmen or anything else. Also, he mentioned concerns regarding the economic
aspect. He stated that if they have flagmen or policemen and this goes on for six months, it
would be costly. Council Member Genco proposed, on a temporary basis, for a flagman because
it would take probabiy a couple of weeks to get a signal system set up or they can wait until they
do get a signal set up. She stated she estimated it is going to be a one-year process until it is
completed. She stated that one year is a long time for the residents and the businesses to suffer.
She stated that if they can get an emergency sigrzal system set up in two weeks, and start utilizing
this bridge for residenfs with vehicles under five tons, they should do it. She stated she is not
comfortable putting a school bus that is aver five tons, and not comfortable with anything over
that.
Mr. Reinl�olt respanded that they needed to decide if they just want to repair specific sections of
the bridge. He stated that if you want to repair specific sections, it coutd be d�ne in less than
three weeks. Village Manager Couzzo suggested addressing the traffic controls. He stated his
concern that if you go to a mechanical signal there was no way you could control whether or not
a truck was going to go over or not. He stated that the only way yau can enforce this is if
someone is there. He stated that unless you are there to continually reguiate it you are not going
to get 100% compliance and this may include a big truck and that is where you are going to have
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Minutes — Emergency Special Village Councii Meeting
February 2, 2006
Page 13 '.
an issue. Council Member Genco sta.ted she believed there was a way to restrict the width and
h�ight as well, which would prevent a big truck from gaing over, She stated that what she is
amazed about is that they can have it repaired and utilized in a matter of weeks. She stated that
she was lead to believe tl�is was a Iong-term process. ;
Council Member Paterno asked what they meant by "repair". He asked if this meant that it still
needed to be repaired in the next couple of years. He understood this to mean this is only a
temparary repair. Mr. Reinholt responded that with a good maintenance program the bridge
could Iast another fifteen to twenty years. Mayor Hurnpage stated that this would be true with
the assumption that the substructure would support the new spans. He did not want people to
think that a new bridge could be put up in three weeks and then it not happen. Mr. Reznholt
stated that would not be the case; he stated that if you want to replace the spans, it could be done
in three weeks. Attorney Hawkins asked Mr. Reinhott if permits were required to fast track these
repairs. Mr. Reinholt stated he was not sure. Mr. Charlie Rich, Palm Beach County Engineering
sta.ted that as soon as the engineers gave the Viliage the report, they could start on the repairs.
Councii Member Genco stated they needed to do this as well as keep the weight limits down
even after they repair it. Council Member Paterno asked Mr. Reinholt to provide him v�rith a
copy of page 11 before he left the meeting.
Mayor Humpage stated that assuming they can fast track the repairs, and the substructure is okay
to support the new superstructure, do they still want to open up the westside.
Councid Member Genco stated she wanted to withdraw her motion she made earlier.
She stated it is probably going to take one to two weeks to set up a mechanical signal system and
ra�her than focus all of their time and energy on that, she would like to see a11 of the resources
focused on getting the bridge repaired. She stated if it is going ta take two to foux weeks to get
this repaired, she thought this is what they should focus on.
Council Member Genco felt they shouid post it far the lower weight limit of eleven tons once it
is repaired, and also included some serious enforcement. She wanted this motion on the table
subject to Reese Macon's engineers confirming the KCA report. Mayor Humpage confirmed
with Council Member Genco that she did no� want the bridge in t�mporary service on the west
side. She stated Village Manager Couzzo sta.ted to them that they would have ta haee signalmen
and this would not work in the evening, which puts them in the same restriction they are now.
Mayor Humpage stated they could limit the hours from 11 p.m. to ?:00 a.m. Council Member
Genco stated this could hagpen if someone wanted to make a motion to do that. Mayor
Humpage stated he would like them to open up the west side. Council Member Paterno asked
Viliage Manager Couzzo if he did an analysis of the cost. Village Manager Couzzo responded
no but that it would take about three signalmen to do in shifts. He stated they are talking with
the police department to see what kind of contribution they can ma.ke. He stated that if you look
at closing it, that is going to reduce the cost and you can hanicade it off at night and reopen it
from 6.00 a.m. to 8.00 p.m. He noted from lvs understand'zng, there was not a lot of traffic after
that time period gaing over the bridge. He stated it might be cost prohibitive to do this but if you
wanted to open the traffic the Village could make arrangements to do this.
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Minutes — Emergency Special Village Council Meeting
February 2, 2006
Page 14
Village Manager Couzzo stated that the police and fire departments have done terrific jobs in
working with the other agencies and this would minimize the overtime the Village was currently
experiencing. Council Member Paterno stated the Viliage could leave the fire engine on the west
side of the bridge, and the ambulance on this side, since they can go over the bridge; this would
save on overtime and the public would be just as safe as they were before. Council Member
Genco asked what hours he would propose. Mayor Humpage suggested a regular 8-hour shift
and start at 6:00 a.m. Village Manager Couzzo stated he was a�ittle concerned about the 8-hour
shift because you are going to have to run thern on weekends, too. He stated if they figure out
what hours they want, he would make sure it is covered. Council Member Paterno was thinking
daylight hours, due to nighttime hours and the safety issue. Mayor Humpage asked Attorney .
Hawkins if there were issues, if they wanted to close the bridge at night and keep it open during
the day. Attorney Hawkins responded yes, because the Village has declazed an emergency.
Mayor Humpage stated that this will help but if they have the flagmen equipped with radios and
they have an issue and a truck is giving them a hard time they can t1�en conta.ct the police
department. Council Member Genco stated they are going to limit it to five tons or less. Mayor
Humpage stated that the weight limit does not prevent someone from trying to cross the bridge.
Vice-Mayor Watkins stated that you are going to have people using their own judgment.
Council Member Genco sta.ted that this is when the flagcnen will step in and grevent them from
crossing. She stated if you limit it to five tons or tess and have the flagmen and iimit it to
daylight hours, then she was in favor of this. She atso is in favor of daing tl�e other thing that she
spoke about, but they need to make a decision and someone needs to make a motion to do it.
Council Member Paterno stated he wouid prefer to wait until tomorrow or whenever it is done to
get all the information; then f nd out what ail the choices were because he would hate to put
money into it and just put a band-aid on it and not fix it pmperly. He stated he would like the
independent peop�e to give them their opinion as well. Vice Mayor Watkins agreed, saying she
wanted to be assured that those pilings are okay because if the pilings are not okay, that was a
different issue. She stated you have two critical things here — one being what to do in tlie
intermediate, and what makes sense for the bridge in the long term but she wanted to know what
the other engineers say. Council Member Genco stated the only thing she thought they could
address was the intermediate, and it was her und�rstanding that that was the purpose of this
meeting.
Council Member Genco stated a Iong-term resolution was going to be based upon a number of
other things, which may be the subject of another meeting. She stated the short-term
intermediate sitzaation was opening up the bridge for the westboUnd lane, having a flagman, and
having it open auring daylight haurs; and in the meanwhile the Village and Adminis�ration was
on track towards, if the engineers agree, doing a repair which she hoped would be a much shorter
length of time. She sta.ted this does not mean they are not going to �ook at a long-term issue of
whether or not to replace the bridge or do something else for the bridge but at Ieast for the short-
term they have developed a plan of action.
Vice-Mayor �Vatkins asked Attorney Hawkins if they had the DOT's report and if the Village's
engineers came back and stood by this as well, does this help the Village in any way from a
liabiiity standpoint if something ha.ppened on the bridge, and if we allowed westbound traffic
14
Minutes — Emergency Special Village Council Meeting
February 2, 2QQ6
Page 15 �
with the best engineering input we have to formulate this decision. Attorney Hawkins responded
the Village's liability wouid be strong. He sta.ted althou�h there was a Sta.te agency respansible
for transportation giving you an opinion from a highly qualified renowned engineer - but the
Village's neck is out there because you are dealing with Public Safety. He stated it is a
reasonable response. He stated Council needs two nnotions — motion one would be regarding
hours, authorizing Staff need to develop a plan; motion two should be if you want to authorize
Staff to study a rapid repair and report back to the Village as to what needed to be done. Council
Member Paterno sta.ted it should be limited to four tons so to eliminate the trucks who think they
are five tons in order to keep it to passenger SLTV or smaller. Council Member Genco stated that
when they post a sign stating the weight limit, it should say residentiat traffic only.
Commissioner Weberman stated in order to be enforceable you need to look at the DOT
standards because he thought trucks had to caxry documents showing they are a certain weight.
His concern was that people are going to be arguing over the weight of their truck. Village
Manager Cauzzo stated that the law enforcement personnei know how to check the weight loads
on vehicles. He stated if there was a discrepancy then the flagman can ca11 the law enforcement
personnel and they will take care of it. Council Member Genco stated that if the Village is under
a state of einergency and they post it far three or five tons and they put a sign stating "closed to
all but residential traffic", the flagmen shoula not have a problem interpreting it, then on an
interim basis the westbound Iane can be openea. Mayor Humpage asked Mr. Reese if they �vould
have their report by tomorrow morning regarding the condition to tie into the state report. Mr.
Reese stated yes, unless there is a problem and they find they need more time because of the
bridge condition. He asked that. based upon the two reports, if they were consistent, was it a
consensus that they open up the westbound lane.
MOTION Council Member Genco stated the motion would be provided that the Village's
engineers eonfirm the DOT report, that the Village woulcl post a sign for four tons only, and they
put a flashing light on the side saying "closed for residential tra�c only "; and they get flagmen
to keep the bridge open for westbound traffic onty undsr those conditions, during daylight hours.
Mayor Humpage stated for two-way tra�c. Council Member Genco agr�eed. She stated the sign
"residential tra�c only" would mean that the Village is lookin� for that type of vehicle only.
Mayor Humpage commented the old expression is "local tra�c ". Council Member Genco
suggested "local traffic" opens it up for commerciad vehicles and that is where she was a little
uncomfortable. Village Manager Couzzo suggested "passenger vehicles only ". Cauncil Member
Genco suggested leaving the verbiage up to Staff.
Council Member Paterno asked that the motion include specifyang that emergency vehicles, fire
rescue only, use the bridge, as necessary. Council Member Genco stated this would not inctude
the fire truck, only fire rescue and police. Mayor Humpage stated they need a timeframe.
Council MemBer Genco stated daylight hours only. Attorney Hawkins asked that they specify the
timeframe, such as 6: DO a.m. to 8: 00 p.m, because daylight is a variable issue, Council Member
Genco stated 6: 00 a. m. to 7: 00 p. m. Council Member Paterno asked if the issr�re of boats be
included; Council Member Genco stated the existing restriction on marine tra�c holds;
seconded by Council Member Paterno; motion passed 4-0.
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Minutes — Emergency Specia� Village Councii Meeting
February 2, 2006
Page 16
MOTION: Council Member Genco made a motion that-= Staff goes ahead and gets this
investigated and resolved, and reports back to Councid. Mayor Humpage suggested Staff move
forward diligently to try to get this done expeditiously; seconded by Vice Mayor Watkins; motion
passed 4-0.
Commissioner Webenman wanted to offer if this takes longer than Council think it shouid. He
stated there is a bridge in Martin County on Britt Road that is acts.ially operating with this
temporary one-lane condition. He sta.ted that if someone from the Village wants to drive up
there, near the Treasure Coast Ma11, the Britt Road Bridge, anct take a video and see this in
operation they have one currently. �
�
Mayor Humpage asked if any of the representatives would like to speak. A resident from �
Country Club Drive asked for clarification for the boat traffic. Mayor Humpage cornmented one
of the things they were trying to do, was if someone wanted to take their boat out, it couid be
brought out under another span, because the police boat stationed there. He suggested a onw- �
way move. He stated the Village is trying to stop the constant traffic. He stated it would be
ciosed to marine and vehicular traffic. Councii Member Genco stated it was to remain closed
since there had been faZling debris and it was a safeiy issue. Mr. David Becker, resident of
Country Ctub Circle stated there is a certain span that is broken, but since the bridge is so long
there is pienty of room for a boat to go through. Mayor Humpage stated the navigable span is the
center two spans, so if a boat goes to the side and it hits one of the rocks, where is the Village.
Mr. David Baker, resident of Txadewinds Circle asked if the Village owned the River. Mayor
Humpage stated the Coast Guard, mandates it. He noted the State saic� to close it to vehicular and
marine traffic. He noted DOT was present. Mayor Humpage suggested having the Village Staff
look into it, and noted the Village has an obligation for their own protection to do what mandated
by the State and Coast Guard. He sta.ted if they can work something out they would be happy to
do that, and would let the public know in a few days. Mr. Baker asked who was going to notify
the public, Mayor Humpage stated they have a mandate from the Department of Transportation
and the Coast Guard but what the Village will do is the minute they get a relief or an ar�swer they
wiil put signs on the bridge. He sta.ted the inspection authoriry (consultants) for the DOT found
this problem and then DOT sent them the letter to close, and the Coast Guard agreed. He
commented Staff wauld have to check in with the DOT to decide if it is navigable as we11 as the
Coast Guard. He stated if they agree, than they can post the bridge and open it. He stated it is
not the Village's call. Council Member Genco stated she was concerned about it and feit they
needed ta wait until they determine what their repair or restoration plan was before they know if
they can opeti it up for marine traff c. She felt she was not comfortable with opening it up
because if a piece of cancrete falls with someone's boat underneath it, sorneone could get killed.
She stated until she has another report that states that it is safe for marine traff c or the bridge is
repaired, she does not want to do anything; she wants to take the advice of the experts. She told
Mr. Becker that he is vne of the few people to follow directions, but others may go under the
bridge ar�d hurt themselves. She commented this is a safety factor. Mayor Humpage reiterated
that untiI they get a different call from the Coast Guazd and the DOT it is not the Village's call.
Mayor Humpage stated if they do let marine traffic go and someone gets hurt, it is then tlie
liability of the Village.
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Minutes -- Emergency Speciai Village Council Meeting
February 2, 2QQ6
Page 17 ,
Council Member Genco stated this would probably be part of the normal process as they
continue to look at the repair situation and as snon as they fnd out, they wili have another
Council meeting and open the bridge up for marine tra�c. She stated right now they do not
have a sign-off and have a written warning that it was not safe. Mr. Baker asked if the Coast
Guard and DOT were working separateiy, or together. Mayor Humpage stated he could not
answer that. Mr. LoCicero stated they made the recommendation ta the Coast Guard.. Council
Member Genco stated Council could not do anything until they get the report from the engineers,
because it is dangerous. Mr. Baker asked if they could get their boats in and out one time.
Mayor Humpage stated the marine pa�rol officer would record the number of the vessels that
comes and goes.
Ms. Abby Roeloffs, resident of Tradewinds Circle questioned the reports and the missing Page
I 1, of 11. She sazd it goes back ta the confidence that these reports are being read and why z�o
one on the Council looked for page eleven of the report.
Mayor Humpage responded by stating that on the report there are fve major criteria, which
expressed the condition of the bridge. He read from the report, "this bridge contains structural,
critical companents; tl�is bridge is scour critical, this report identifies deficiencies which require
prompt corrective action, functionalty obsolete, structuraily deficient". He mentioned he did not
read all ten pages, and that he reviewed the overview provided. He stated Council budgeted for
the bank repairs that were recommended. He stated he is nat an engineer and when he goes
through the pages with graphs, he does not know if the Village has anyone an Staff that could
understand all of it. He stated that the first three pages of the report tell you what is going on in
layman's terms and if you have deficiencies; He commented the one that was to be conected was
the slope, the banks which they budgeted for. The second part directly took issue with the
underside at 10°l0 or less having an issue. He stated they are at SO°/a and how that occurred in
four months, he does not know.
Council Member Genco stated she read the engineering reports for the last three years, and it is
thick, and she did not understand all the definitions. Council Member Genco explained Iast yeaz
she called the DOT because she did not know what was meant by "obsolete" etc. She
commented the report comes in sections so when you are looking at the numberirig, you look at
what �ooks like page ten and then the eleventh page Iooked the same as page ten so she thought
the page that was nat numbered was page eleven. She stated she did took at everytlzing. Ms.
Roeloffs noted they depend on the Council; she would like someane on Staff or someone that
really knows how to read these documents do so. She mentianed probably half of the residents
live on the other side of the bridge. Mayar Humpage agreed. Council Memi�er Genco stated she
would like to take it one step further; once a-year the Village engineers do an inspection of the
bridge. She felt they could utilize the DOT ana eonfirm it, ar say that they do not have the same
opinion.
IV. ADJOURNMENT
MOTI4N: Vice-Mayor Watkins moved to adjourn the meeting; seconded ay Council Member
Genco; motion passed 4-0.
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Minutes — Emergency Speciai Village Council Meeting
Februa�y 2, 2006
Page I8
The meeting was adjourned at 12:47 P.M. "
Gwen Carlisle � �
Village Clerk
18