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MINUTES C
VILLAGE OF TEQUESTA
EMERGENCY SPECIAL VILLAGE COUNCIL MEETING
FRIDAY, JANUARY 27, 2006
3:04 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. Pa1m Beach County Battalion Chief James St.
Pierre was also present.
II. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
MOTION: Vice Mayor Watkins moved to approve the agenda, as subtnitted; 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 started the discussion by sta.ting that for the past six weeks the Village
has been looking at the condition of the Tequesta Bridge. He commented they have reduced the
speed and tonnage signs because the Village had concerns about the bridge. Initially, the State
indicated that the bridge was in good condition, but obsolete. Council Member Paterno noted
there might be other issues with the bridge. Village Manager Couzzo indicated they sought out
an independent engineer, who did an analysis, so the Village asked the State to come back and
do a thorough investigation. He noted this investigation has taken place two times, with the
latest one happening January 26, 2006, and a copy of the report that the Village received from
the State has been submitted to Village Council, in which it shows serious problems. The
Department of Transportation recommended the bridge be closed immediately until further
investigation can take place. He stated the engineers may be able to come out tomorrow
morning to mobilize and do an in-depth analysis to determine what steps and what alternatives
the Village can bring to the Council for consideration for repairing the bridge 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 the Staff met early this morning to discuss what needed to be done, and the
coordination that needs to take place between all of the departments. He felt the Village was
prepared to detour traffic and shut down the bridge should that be the decision of Council. Vice
Mayor Watkins asked about detouring the westbound traffic. Village Manager Couzzo stated
that at this time the Department of Transportation as recommending the bridge be closed. He
also stated that he spoke with Village Attorney Hawkins and that it is his recommendation that
the Village close the bridge. He stated the bridge inspection is usually done in March, but was
done in January, He noted they are going to come back as early as tomorrow to work with the
Village.
Minutes — Emergency Special Village Council Meeting
January 27, 2006
Page 2 �
Vice Mayor Watkins asked about the extent of the damage to the bridge. Village Manager
Couzzo stated we did not know the extent of the deterioration of the bridge but would find that
out when the analysis was done. Assistant Village Manager Gazio sta,ted the Department of
Transporta.tion was very determined that the eastbound lane needed to be repaired. They
suggested that the Village close the bridge because they do not know at this time the condition of
the westbound lane. Vice Mayor Watkins asked about the analysis that the Department of
Transporta.tion would be doing. Village Manager Couzzo stated it would be a more in-depth
study. The first time the Department of Trans portation looked at the brid ge, ._th e y j u s t t o o k a
; preliminary Iook; yesterday, #hey took a more in-depth look at the bridge, at which tirne they .
concluded the condition of the bridge was more severe than they originally thought. He stated
after the ariginal analysis, the Village had to reduce the speed and tonnage on the Bridge, which
was a good rule since the heavier the load and the faster the traffic the greater the impact to the
bridge. Vice Mayor Watkins asked whether the shutdown of the bridge extended to pedestrians.
Village Manager Couzzo stated the recommendation was to shut down the bridge completely.
He stated that he spoke with CH2MHi11 who have bridge engineers on staff and they stated they
could help expedite this process.
Council Member Genco asked when the analysis was done, if the Bridge was found that one lane
was safe, was it possible to kee� that lane open for traffic? Village Manager Couzzo stated if the
westbound lane is found structurally safe, the Village could look at possibly alternating traffic.
Council Member Paterno suggested possibly putting in a temporary light to help with the
alternating flow of traffic, which would be more cost effective. Council Member Genco asked if
whatever decision the Council decided today, could it be reversed. Village Manager Couzzo
stated that was highly unlikely. Council Member Genco stated the Department of Transportation
could come back and reverse their findings once they finish their analysis. Village Manager
Couzzo stated that was possible. Council Member Genco felt the Village needed to en on the
side of caution for safety reasons. Village Manager Couzzo stated the primary responsibility was
public safety and welfare of the public. He felt the initial decision to reduce the speed was
questioned but in hindsighf that was a good decision.
Mayor Humpage stated that the report indicated that on the south side of the bridge, the steel is
exposed, which would inhibit traffic until some type of repair was made. Village Manager
Couzzo sta.ted it is a possibility to make some quick temporary repairs to structurally sound it up.
Council Member Genco stated it was also recommended that marine tr�c not be allowed
underneath the bridge as well. She asked how this would be handled. Village Manager Couzzo
stated the Village could set up a buoy barrier to close it off. Council discussion followed
regarding makir�g boat owners aware of the situation so that they could get their boats in and out
before the bridge closed. Village Manager Couzzo stated that Council Member Paterno told him
of a situation whereby a boat went underneath the bridge and concrete fell from the bridge into
his boat. Council Member Genco stated that there was a lot of traffic going over the bridge
because of all the construction going on. Mayor Humpage sta.ted he was getting ca11s regarding
whether the bridge was closed for pedestrians, bicyclists and golf carts. Council Member Genco
suggested golf carts should not be on the Bridge anyway, and that only pedestrians and bicycles
be allowed. Council Member Paterno 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 questioned if someone had an emergency, should the Village let Police and Fire
Rescue cross the bridge?
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Minutes — Emergency Special Village Council Meeting
January 27, 2006
Page 3
Chief Weinand stated no, and responded 12:30 p.m. today, they have reprogrammed the CA�
system and the radios and were working closely with Palm Beach County. He noted they have a
temporary sta.tion at the First Presbyterian Church, where they have three personnel, and three
personnel on this side of the bridge. $e stated they were also utilizing Palm Beach County
Station 19 to help with the Country Club area, and Station 11 on this side of the bridge. Council
Member Genco asked about Mutual Aid — why not shift areas? Chief Weinand responded that
Palm Beach County was dealing with the Loxahatchee Drive Bridge being alosed. Council
Member Genco suggested the Village swap the cost of overtime. Chief Weinand stated that to
go from Tequesta's station, back up to County Line Road, and tiien come back around to the
bridge, it was 6.8 miles and was about 15 minutes. He commented Martin County was on the
CAD system and when talking about response time, Martin County was closer. Council Member
Genco questioned how many personnel aze required at a station. Chief Weinand responded
three. He also stated there was a provision that if you are dea.ling with an immediate life saving
rescue that another degartment, such as Martin County or Palm Beach County, was allowed to
enter.
Council Member Paterno asked if there were a life-threatening situation would you be allowed to
go over the bridge? Chief Weinand stated no. He stated that these trucks are like emergency
rooms. Assistant Village Manager Garlo asked where Trauma hawk would land. Chief Weinand
stated they could land on the golf course. He stated that sometimes when Trauma ha,wk goes to
St. Mary's, a lot of times Tequesta wi11 drive to St. Ma.ry's because it ends up being the same
amount of time. Vice Mayor Watkins asked how many people were at First Presbyterian
Church. Chief Weinand stated the�e were three people and they would be there all weekend
long. Council Member Paterno sta.ted there is one fire truck and one fire rescue truck over at the
church. Chief Weinand stated if they get a call, they would go in the fire rescue truck, with a
backup unit on the way.
Police Chief Steve Allison stated they would have one person west of the river at a11 times, and
tliat the marine unit would be on patrol from 7:00 a.m. unti17:00 p.m. He commented the police
department was alsa .passing out flyers. Council Member Genco asked if Department of
Transporta.tion had offered any help in the way of temporary police personnel. Village Manager
Couzzo stated they have not offered any help at this time. He stated the Village was going to
pursue this avenue, though. Council Member Genco stated that if the Village declared a State of
Emergency that the Village might be eligible for state funds. Village Manager Couzzo agreed
that might be a good idea to look into. Vice Mayor Watkins questioned the inspection process of
the bridge. Council Member Paterno felt the inspections have not been thorough, and that the
primary problem was the jet skis spraying salt water on the bridge. He explained if salt water
hits the same spot, deterioration occurs over time.
MOTION: Council Member Genco made a motion to close the Tequesta Bridge for vehicular
and marine tra�c, effective immediately, pending further study by the Department of
Transportation, at which time the Village Council widl reevaluate the condition of the bridge.
Council �4fember Paterno seconded the motion, which carried unanimously 4-0.
MOTION: Council Member Genco made a motion to declare a State of Emergency in the
Village of Tequesta to close the bridge, and take such action as to approach the state, county,
Department of Transportation, and other agencies. T�iee Mayor Watkins seconded the motion, �
which carried unanimously 4-0.
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Minutes — Emergency Special Village Council Meeting
January 27, 2006
Page 4
Council Member Paterno stated they need to notify the school board of the bridge closing and
any other agencies that may be affected. Village Manager Couzzo sta.ted there is a flyer being
distributed regarding the bridge closing. He stated they are letting everyone know of the closing.
He sta.ted that an email was sent to the media as well as everyone on the Village's email list
telling them of the bridge closing. Mayor Humpage suggested the Martin County Sheriff s
Office should be notified as well. Village Manager Couzzo stated in the budget for this year, the
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 to an operating fund, and then come back to
Council for approval. Council Member Genco sta.ted she would like to wait until Council has the
latest analysis for the bridge. She also asked that Staff look into various funding sources.
Village Manager Couzzo stated this was already in the process.
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.
Gwen Carlisle
Village Clerk
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