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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes_Miscellaneous_04/11/1997_Public Safety Committee G F T f � . �� G P 'rw � � � VILLAGE OF TEQUESTA �� Pc�.tit Office 130� 3273 • 3�? "fequesta Dri�•e $�� �� o` "I'cquesta, Floiida 33'iG9-02?3 • (>61) �?�-C300 3 � � � o ]��i�: C7C1) �7">-C203 6� ' ;,. � , 4 `� 9 ph �� t VILLAGE OF TEQUESTA PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES APRIL 11, 1997 I. CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL The Tequesta Public Safety Committee held a regularly scheduled meeting at the Village Hall, 357 Tequesta Drive, Tequesta, Florida, on Friday, April 11, 1997. The meeting was called to order at 3:04 P.M. by Chair Mayor Elizabeth A. Schauer. A roll call was taken by Betty Laur, the Recording Secretary. In attendance were: Chair Elizabeth A. Schauer and Committeemembers Alec Cameron and Carl C. Hansen. Village Staff present were: Village Manager Thomas G. Bradford, Village Clerk Joann Manganiello, and Department Heads. II. APPROVAL OF AGENDA The Agenda was approved as submitted. III. COMMUNICATIONS FROM CITIZENS Dr. Stan Jacobs, 43 River Drive, commented in regard to the subject of speed humps on Country Club Drive that he had heard that there was a group advocating the same thing up and down both Golfview Drive and River Drive. Dr. Jacobs explained that these speed humps would be expensive, could cause damage to emergency vehicles as had happened with speed bumps in Little Club; could slow down emergency vehicles which could make a difference in saving a person's life; would mean increased maintenance to emergency vehicles; and possibly danger to emergency personnel and patients being transported in ambulances. Dr. Jacobs 71c�c,��c /r�rl Pa/u�r Publ�.c Safety Co�o�mnittee Meetiag April 11, 1997 Page 2 expressed his opinion that these types of problems could necessitate removing speecl humps after they had been installed, which would be a waste af money, and commented that he believed the money could be better spent on something else. Neil Vander Waal commented that most of the citizens' comments made at the previous evening's Village Council meeting had been regarding concerns for pedestrians, children playing, etc. Mr. Vander Wall expressed concern, for the lowered property values along Country Club Drive and Tequesta Drive because of the traffic, which was reaching a point where investo�s were looking to purchase properties for use as ACLFs. Mr. Vander Waal commented that in.vestment owners did not give the same 'TLC that an c�wner occupant would, so that the quality of the properties would deteriorate, an.d expressed concern �hat this was happening in the heart of Tequesta. Mr. Vander Waa1 estimated sales aZon.g Coun.try Club Drive to be $20,000 to $30,000 lower than on other Village streets, and urged that the Village Council move to control traffic. Mike Montefusco, 19 Tradewinds Circle, explained that he had made a traffic presentation a't the Village Council meeting the previous even.ing and in the interim had thought more about Councilmember Capr�tta's question of why this sub�ect was brought up n.ow. Mr. Montefusca explained that even if the mediation resulted in the best possible solutions and everything possibl.e was done, that the opinion, of various road engineers was there was still a problem; reported that the feedback from people was generally dismay about the lack of action by any goverxunent to do anything about the roadway infrastructure; and stated that the Village government had the opportunity to take action. Councilmember Capretta commented that what mediation would da would be to add weight and publicity to any solutions th�y endorsed, which could put pressure on Martin County, Jupiter, and Palm Beach Coun,ty to act. Village actions to deter traffic on Country Club Drive could be continued so that people would fin.d alternative routes. Other types of action such as making the road one-way north, closing the raad, etc. were intended to put pol.itical pressure on Martin Caunty and the others. Councilmember Capretta explained that some of these actions could be taken solely by the Public Safety Committee Meetiag April 11, 1997 Page 3 Village; others would need help from others. Mr. Capretta commented that the Village should have a plan of a series of escalating steps to be taken to reduce traffic and address speeding; that waiting for endorsement by the mediation group wauld lend suppor� for actions by the Vil�age; that he had pushed the Village Council to support Commissioner Marcus' recommendation to place the Western Connector on the ma� so that it might go in sooner. Mr. Montefu5co commented that since Commissioner Marcus did not wait fpr the conclusion of inediation before acting, it did not seem inappropriate for others to take action at this time, and discusse� the length af time required for a new road, which he estimated a� ten years. Mr. Montefusco commented that waiting until the mediation process was concluded would only add further delay and urged immediate action. IV. REVIEW OF TRAFFIC CAI�'IING ALTERNATIVES FOR COUNTRY CLUB DRIVE Village Manager Bradford explained that Frederick Schwartz, Traffic Engineer for the Village with Kimley-Horn Associates, had provided a report dated February 11, 1997 in response to the Village's request for research regarding different traffic calming devices which could be instituted for Country Club Drive andlor Tequesta Drive. Village Manager Bradford reported that the Villac}e knew they could proceed with a landscaping plan and berming, and that Mr. Schwartz had looked into the feasibility of speed humps, stop signs on through streets, one-way operation, and other restrictions. Mr. Bradford explained that the County had adopted standards for speed humps and had placed some on Loxahatchee River Road, and that Mr. Schwartz had reported that although there was some liability exposure with any traffic control measure, as lon.g as the �Tillage followed a plan and was consistent in application of the devices and application of the program to inform the driving public of the design, he believed that the Village could install speed humps. Mr. Schwartz reported the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices outlined criteria for placement of stop signs which were nat mandatory but certainly must be considered. This was a warning that deviation from the criteria meant increased liability risk. The major liability exposure in the use of unnecessary stop signs was accident potential. It was Mr. Schwartz's professional Publ�.c Safe�� Committee �eeting A�ril 11, 1997 Pag9 4 opinion that installation of stop signs on Country Club Drive co�ld cause an increase in rear-end accidents; that stop signs were not expected at this locatian and should not be installed. Mr. Schw�rtz commented that the concept of one-way opez�ation on Cauntry Club Drive seemed to only address half the problem, since whichever direction was chosen the oppasing direction would need to be accommodated som.ewhere on other streets in the vicinity of Country Club Drive. The conclusion was that Mr. Schwartz did not see mu.ch validity for making Country Club Drive one way in either direction. Mr. Schwartz was very positive about roun.dabouts as a traffic calming measure, recommended that the roundabout be cansidered for the intersections of Country Club Drive and Tequesta Drive, and for Country Club Drive and North Place, and attached the County standard for roundabouts to his report. Village Manager Bradford reported that Mr. Schwartz had met with Police Chief Allison and Director of �ublic Works Gary Preston for discussions. Police Chief Allison commented that if Country Club Drive were made a one-way street that the through truck ordinance would be invalidated. Village Manager Bradford explained that this matter had been presented to the Committee at this time since the mediation, unless extended, would end in May; and Palm Beach County had already moved forward with installation of speed humps, Councilmember Cameron questioned whether the County's standard for two-lane local residential streets of average daily traffic count of 800 to 3,000 vehicles per day would be a problem, since traffic counts far exceeded 3,000 vehicles per day on Country Club Drive. Village Manager Bradford responded that he believed the County had not adopted the standards exactly as shown and that Mr. Schwartz had not indicated that the County's standards must be followed, but had advised that the Village must have their own standards which they must consistently foll.ow, Councilmember Capretta commented that Mr. Schwartz had indicated that the only two acceptable methods for traffic calming along Country Club Road were speed humps and roundabouts. Councilmember Capretta commented that two critical issues had not been addressed: (1) whether the Village had the legal right to close Country Club Drive at the Village line; and (2) whether the Village had taken Public Safety Committee �eetiag April 11, 1997 Page 5 proper actions to insure that Country Club Drive could not be 4-laned. Councilmember Capretta commented that Tequesta Preservation Committee kept bringing up the issue that Country C1ub Drive could be 4-laned at an� time; therefore that issue should be clari�ied and the information placed in the Village newsletter. Mr. Capretta suggested the followzng plan for Country Club Drive, with timing to be added at a future date: Put in speed humps, put in a roundabout at the entrance of Z'urtle Creek, announce that action had been taken so that the road could never be 4- laned, and if Martin County rejected the Western Corridor and Connector Road, the Village would ciose the road. Councilmember Capretta commented that this plan could have more support if it �aere instituted after the mediation was concluc3.ed. Village Manager Bradford explained that Tequesta had done everything within their power to make it so that Country Club Drive could not be 4-laned. Those actions had included placing irrevocable 15-foot easements for non-roadway purposes on each side of the 80-foot road right-of-way, thereby reducing the available road right-of-way to 50 feet. Mr. Bradford explained that the Engineering Roadway Standard in Palm Beach County requires a minimum of 60 feet in order to have a 4-lane highway. Village Manager Bradford commented that some people believed the FDOT or the Palm Beach County Engineering Department could force the Village to 4-lane the road even over the Village's objections. The Village Manager stated it was not likely that the State had such power, but that an argument could be made that Palm Beach County m.ight have that power. Nevertheless, because of the irrevocable easements there no longer existed the roadway right-af-way available for 4-lane traffic even if the County's Comprehensive Plan could override the Village's desires. Mr. Bradford explained that Country Club Drive and Tequesta Drive did appear on the County's Thoroughfare Identification Map, which may give the County some power, and in order to combat that the Village had filed an application with the Land Use Advisory Board requesting that Country Club Drive and Tequesta Drive be removed from Palm Beach County's map. This was also a solution that the Village had submitted to the mediation process to assure that the Village had sole authority; and even if that fell through �rith the reduced right-of-way there was not enough room for four lanes. Village Manager Bradford commented Public Safety Committee Meetiag Apri1 11, 1997 Page 6 that there �were varying amount� of right-of-way along Tequesta Drive from 175 feet to 80 and 100 feet, and that links on that road would trigger decisions whether to take action in the future if current traffic trends continued. Mr. Bradford explained that under Pa1m Beach County law, absent infrastructure capacity, within a certain radius of an inadequacy all construction would be stopped unless the inadequacy was addressed through expansion--in this instance widening the road to provide for additional capacity, expected to occur in 10 to 15 years. From the bridge to the Riverside Drive intersection was basically a Village of Tequesta cut-through to get to Alternate A1�, which was , beneficial by taking traffic off Tequesta Drive through town. Village Manager Bradford commented on whether the Village had the power to close Country Club Drive, and stated his belief that because Country Club Drive was a collector road- -that whether it be through the Safe Neighborhood Act or through the Village of Tequesta government--the raad would not be closed since a collector road could not be removed fxom the Comprehensive Plan without permission from DCA, Palm Beach County, Jupiter, Martin County, and Treasure Coast Regional Planning Council, by virtue of the �omprehensive Planning Law of the State of Florida. Councilmember Capretta reported that data re�eived from Chief Allison indicated that during 1996, 413 cars had been stopped on Country Club Drive of which 119 received speeding tickets. Only nine of the 119 were issued to Tequesta residents. �ut of 17$ traffic accidents only two happened on Country Club Drive. Village Manager Bradford commented that another way to provide assurance against 4-laning either Tequesta Drive or Country Club Drive would be �o officially desiqnate the roads as constrained roadway facilities. If both the Village and Palm Beach County agreed ta the designation then when traffic counts reached the point to institute four lanes, four laning would not be required. Village Manager Bradford advised that such designation had been requested by the Village within the mediation process. Councilmember Cameron questioned whether emergency equipment would have adequate clearance to go through a roundabout. Public Safety Comm�ttee Meetiag April 1i, 1997 Page 7 Chief Weinand commented that any traffic deterrent would slow response time; however, that was up to the governing body in that area, and stated that he was sure any roundabouts would be built to accommodate emergency vehicles. Village Manager Bradford commented that data indicated a slow, gradual rise in traffic and only about 50� of people in com.pliance with traffic laws. Councilmember Capretta commented on the traffic counting devices approved by the Village Council, and indicated that reliable traffic data should be continuously collected to see the growth and whether all the traffic actions were having an impact. Councilmember Cameron requested a report regarding the intersection at the south gate of Turtle Creek to see if there was sufficient room for a roundabout. Gary Collins commented regarding �he danger of waiting to make decisions until after the mediation report was received. Mr. Collins described the process as first a report from the residents, and then from the governments involved, which would take a minimum of two to three years in the best case. Nothing in the report from the mediation process would cover whether calming devices should be installed, since that had never been discussed at the mediation. Mr. Collins commented on other cities around the country who were installing speed humps, stated that those installations did not have to be perman.ent, and that Tequesta would not kn.ow if these devices would work in the Village until they had been tried. Mr. Collins discussed the small dots that had been installed in Northwood as further calming devices, and asked the Committee m.embers to drive on Spruce in Northwood to experience the effect of those devices. Mr. Collins recommended testing some calming devices now, commented that Commissioner Marcus had budgeted the first money for five years from now, and expressed his opinion that Pa].m Beach County's strategy was to test traffic calming devic�s now so they would know whether those devices worked wh,en the mediation report was received in approximately three years. Mr. Collins commented that the Village had half of the hornes on neighborhood roads that were under consideration by the mediation, and that the regional roadway issues would not reduce Country Club Drive traffic, but would only keep it from growing so fast. Public Safety Com�ittee xeetiag April 11, 1997 Page 8 Wade Griest commented that the Village should not be divided by areas, requested further traf�ic data, felt that nothing would come of the mediation since no one wanted devices on their own streets, and stated that he would like information at the next Village Council meeting of the tatal amaunt which had been spent on Country Club Drive versus a11 other Village streets, where o�her problems existed. Mr. Griest commented that decisions shauld be made that would benefit the whole Village rather than only one area. Ed Resnick, Country C1ub Drive resident, explained that he had discussed speeding on Country Club Drive at the prior evening's Village Council meeting. Mr. Resnic� commented that he did not believe trying to get individuals to obey traffic laws was harassment--as described by Councilmember Capretta. Mr. Resnick urged that the Village do something to get people ta obey the speed limit, whether it was by using traffic calming devices or hiring another police officer to patrol the raad. Mr. Resnick urged the Village to take action to prevEnt the safety hazards resulting from speeding vehicles. Charlie Hartley, Country CZub Drive resident, comm.ented that focus should stay on the report from the engineer, and questioned the aesthetics of speed humps and signs and the message that would be sent to prospective property buyers. Mr. Hartley commented that might be acceptable if the traffic humps were effective, however, he had tested those on Loxahatchee River Road and did not believe they slowed traffic at all. Mike Montefusco concurred that the humps on Loxahatchee Rover Road did not slow traffic and recomm.ended that any speed humps installed in the Village be more substantial in design. Mr. Montefusco formally introduced speed dots for consideration and explained that beautification coul.d be combined with speed dots to help maintain the residential nature of the community whiie calming traffic. He had not mentioned speed dots in his prior presentation to the Village Council s3nce he had promised to give tl�e same presentation he had given at the mediation, and he had not learned about speed dots until later. Pat Hartley expressed her opinion that n.othing would stop future traffic increases on Country Club Drive unless the Public Safety Co�oomnittee Meeting April 11, 1997 Page 9 road was closed. Therefore, Mrs. Hartley recommended making Country Club Drive a beautiful road to keep property values up, and instead of installing speed humps and signs, to use speed dots and landscaping. Village Manager Bradford was requested to provide complete information on traffic dots to all members of the Village Council as well as the cost, design, lacation, and when installation could occur for all of the traffic calming devices recommended by the engineer. Councilmember Capretta commented that the rest of the Village must be ed�.cated as to why traffic issues involved �hem as well as Country �lub Drive and the perception of the problem must be changed to one affecting the whole Village. Vice M�yor Hansen commented as a citizen that he believed action should be taken, that this Cammittee should make recommendations to the Village Council, and that helping traffic on Country Club Drive could help traffic on other Village streets. Village Manager Bradford responded that information regarding engineering feasibility, cost estimates, recommended locations, speed dots, speed humps, and roundabouts could be provided to the Committee in approximately 30 days. V. REVIEW OF CARDIOPULMONARY RESUSCITATION (CPR) TRP,INING PROGR�IM PROPOSAL Fire Chief Weinand explained that equiprnent had been obtained to institute CPR training cou�ses through grants, and a decision was needed whether the courses would be offered free of charge or financed by user fees. A report of associated costs and recommended user rate fees as well as charges in surrounding municipalities was presented. Mayor Schauer discussed the CPR class she had taken in New York. Chief Weinand commented that costs should be recovered. Councilmember Capretta suggested a planned strategy of traininq key people in various neighborhoods throughout the Village. Chief Weinand informed the Committee that a11 law officers were t�ained in CPR and in many cases had initiated Public Safety Committee Meetiag April 15., 1997 Page 10 CPR because of their fast response time, which had resulted in saving lives. Councilmember Cameron explained. that the present President of Tequesta Gardens was a registered nurse and he believed she would be very enthusiastic to have a program held in that condominium. Mayor Schauer recommended that the charge be $10 for each user. Chief Weinand explained that the intent was to have qualified off-duty instructors who would receive $5 for each person they trained. The recreation building was suggested for classes as we11 as taking cl.asses to various condominiums. Chief Weinand suggested contacting the law enforcement block captains for the Crime Watch Program to let condominium residents know that the program was available. Mayor Schauer recommended that an announcement be published in the Village newsletter an.d that a letter be written to each homeowners association. Chief Weinand explained that class size should not be more than 10. Village Manager Bradford explained that the revenue would be taken into the Finance Department and checks would be written as payment for instructors. VI. CONSI�ER�TION OF 1�ROPOSAL FROM DISASTER MEDICAL ASSISTANCE CO�RPpRAT�ON Chief Weinand explained that this firm placed half tractor- trailer size containers filled with medical equipment and supplies in various locations for use during disasters, which would basically only cost the Village for the insurance. The firm financed the containers and supplies by soliciting corporate donations, for which the coxporations received labeling on the container that it had been donated by their company. Chief Weinand commentecl that if these units were mobile they would be better suited for this area. After discussion, it was agreed that in the euent of a hurricane or flood they would just float away, and since it was expected everyon.e would evacuate the Village, therefore these units were not appropriate for this commu.nity. VII. ANY OTHER MATTERS Public Sa�ety Coamaittee Meetiug Apri1 11, 1997 Page 11 Chief Weinand provided brochures for the Toddler Drowning Prevention Program, and reported that 92 families had indicated an interest. Chief Weinand explained that the instructor for the course had suggested metal pins be pla�ed in sliding glass doors as a less costly alternative to the alarms which were discussed at the Village Council meeting. Discussion regarding ather preventive measures ensued. Mayor Schauer requested that Chief Weinand provide her with the dates that the Toddler Drowning Program would take place. Police Chief Allison commented that the Public Safety Committee had authorized participation in the First Offender �rogram approximately 1-1/2 years ago, and called on Lieutenant Garlo to give a status report. Lieutenant Garlo explained that the first year of involvement in the program had just been completed, and 21 children had gone through Youth Court. 17 of those 21 had complied with all sanctions and the four remaining were currently still going through the program. No repeat offenses had taken place, and positive feedback had been received from the children and �heir families. VI. ADJOURNMENT Councilmember Capretta made a m.otion to adjourn. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Cameron. The vote on the motion was: Elizabeth A. Schauer - for Alec Cameron - for Joseph N. Capretta - for There beinq no further business before the Committee, the meeting was therefore adjourned at 4:55 P.M. Respectfully submitted, Betty aur Recording Secretary Public Safety Committee �eeting April ii , 1997 Page 12 ATTEST: �.y.,.., - ,� �� Jo�'nn Manganie lo Village Clerk DATE APPROVED: , �, �997