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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes_Workshop_05/02/2016 MINUTES VILLAGE OF TEQUESTA WORKSHOP May 2, 2016 CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL The meeting was called to order at 6:00 p.m. A roll call was taken by Clerical Assistant Mary Ann Grieser. Present were: Mayor Abby Brennan, Vice Mayor Vince Arena, Council Member Steve Okun, Council Member Tom Paterno and Council Member Frank D'Ambra. APPROVAL OF AGENDA There was none. 1. Presentation by the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) Regarding the US 1 Highway Improvements Mr. Rob Lopes, P.E. from the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) introduced the following project team: Mr. Jim Hughes, P.E.; Mr. Fernando Amado, P.E (Bolton, Perez and Associates) and Mr. Maikel Gonzalez (VIA Engineering Group). Mr. Lopes informed Council that the team would be dedicated to working on the US Highway One project. Mr. Lopes informed Council that there were two primary objectives, with the first being 3R; resurface, rehabilitate and restore. The other objective was TAP; Transportation Alternatives Program. He revealed that $500,000 had thus far been committed towards design and pre -work aspects of the project. He added that approximately $2.1 million had been programmed towards mast arms at traffic signals. In addition, he conveyed that $640,000 had been programmed towards transportation alternatives. Mr. Lopes conveyed to Council that the design needed to be completed by April, 2017 so that a contract package could be advertised, and construction ready to commence by September of 2017. He felt that the construction should be completed in about one year. He revealed that the project included two, 12- foot lanes in each direction, a six- foot bicycle lane with a buffer, sidewalk widening and pedestrian lighting. In addition, there would be bike lane re- striping, intersection improvements, stamped asphalt crosswalks, sidewalk widening, lighting and upgrading light fixtures to LED. All of those elements combined would total approximately $460,000. Village Council Workshop Minutes May 2, 2016 Page 2 He pointed out that the TAP funding was coming in better than expected and that it was dedicated to improvements such as pedestrian and bicycle facilities. It was not intended to replace or maintain existing infrastructure. Mr. Lopes understood the Village had some concerns regarding right turn lanes located at Saint Jude Catholic Church, as well as in front of the Tequesta Shoppes. Additionally, the Village was concerned with the lack of a directional median - opening near Village Boulevard. He continued to state that he was aware of the Village request for landscape improvements, intersection operations at A1A and Old Dixie Highway, as well as on A1A and Riverside Drive, and for the implementation of green colored bicycle lanes. Mr. Lopes said the FDOT looked into both right- turn lane locations and deemed only the Tequesta Shoppes eligible for consideration. He opined that the Saint Jude Catholic Church location would not see a noticeable improvement from an added right turn lane. He also revealed that TAP funding could not be used to pay for the right turn lane because the FDOT felt it would not improve bicycle or pedestrian facilities. He suggested the best way to pay for this would be through local funding from the Village. Mr. Lopes addressed the Village Boulevard directional opening and stated that the FDOT examined crash history reports from 2012 to 2014, in relation to this location. He claimed that there was one crash that could have been mitigated with a directional opening. However, he indicated that since there was not an injury or a fatality, it did not qualify for highway safety funds, even though the FDOT cited the new design would be an improvement. Mr. Lopes went on to reveal that without a safety justification, the FDOT must hold a public meeting regarding the proposed opening. He further revealed, that if anyone opposed the change, the proposal would be void and it would remain unimproved. He stated an alternative was to have the Village pursue the project on its own. Mr. Lopes communicated to Council that any landscaping improvements that the Village was planning on would not be forthcoming. He stated that the FDOT did not allow landscape improvements on any FDOT projects unless specifically designated as such. He suggested that the Village pursue this project at a later date on its own. Ms. Kim Delaney, Strategic Development Coordinator of the Treasure Coast Regional Planning Council, asked if the landscape material was eligible under TAP. Mr. Lopes expressed that landscape material was eligible under TAP, however, not for a DOT project. He cautioned that there were many limitations within the TAP landscaping program. Village Council Workshop Minutes May 2, 2016 Page 3 Mr. Lopes continued to reveal that the A1A and Old Dixie Highway area was not within the project limits, and would not be covered. He suggested acquiring funding from another source. Council Member D'Ambra recalled that the FDOT was supposed to address both the Beach Road and Alternate Al intersection, and the US Highway One and Alternate Al intersections in an upcoming project. He was disappointed to hear that the FDOT did not have them in any plans now or for the future, as had previously been discussed. Ms. Kim DeLaney added that there was a safety study performed recently, that indicated a left- turn conflict. She advised the FDOT project team to contact Mr. Tom Driscoll, Public Works Director for the Town of Jupiter, in order to gain insight from some alternative designs. Mr. Lopes observed that this area was eligible for Highway Safety funds due to the lack of lighting. However, he opined that it would be of low priority in comparison to other areas within the state because of its' safety rating. Mr. Lopes advised Council that green bicycle lanes would be accommodated in certain areas; mainly the Beach Road intersection. Council Member D'Ambra requested the green lanes run the entire length of the project, due to the speed and intensity of the traffic on the US Highway One corridor. Mr. Lopes countered that green bicycle lanes were designed for conflict areas only. If they were placed in incorrect or additional areas, they would lose their effectiveness and would not be worth pursuing. Council Member D'Ambra assured the project team that he understood the constraints of dealing with a bureaucracy, but felt there was a huge safety conflict that existed in this area. Mr. Lopes informed Council that the Village would be responsible for the following: A letter of intent to enter into Patterned Pavement Maintenance Agreement, a maintenance agreement, landscape coordination (DOT to tie into), right turn lanes, a directional opening at Village Blvd, and resolution by June, 2016. Council Member D'Ambra reminded the project team of the Village's request to have an extensive landscape project implemented along the US Highway One corridor. Kim Delaney informed Council that there was a unique aspect to the project because of the location of the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse Outstanding Natural Area. She revealed that it was one of only a few areas comparable to this in the United States and that it may be eligible to receive special funds. Village Council Workshop Minutes May 2, 2016 Page 4 Mr. Hughes answered that it was possible to do a separate FDOT landscape project. Council Member Okun asked about traffic lane restrictions during holiday shopping season. The project team revealed that one lane would be open in both directions, at all times. During the hours of 7 p.m. and 9 a.m. there could be possible closures. Mayor Brennan reminded Council that the repaving project was something that was going to occur with or without the Village being involved. Mr. Lopes felt it would only be a minor traffic impact. Council Member D'Ambra asked if the speed limit could be brought down to below 40 miles per hour. He felt that if it was lowered during construction and then left at the same lower rate after the project was completed, the transition would be easier for drivers. Mr. Lopes agreed that a traffic study could be performed to see if the reduction was a possibility. Council Member Paterno inquired about the shared bike lane that the FDOT had spoken about previously in other correspondence. Council Member D'Ambra agreed that there was nothing in the current plan that addressed the shared bike lane. Council Member Paterno further cautioned that the FDOT and their current plan, would create a dangerous situation for drivers because of the absence of a right turn lane. He felt that there would be more opportunity for vehicles to be rear -ended due to going from three down to two lanes, having mostly thru (commuter) traffic and no consideration for turning traffic. He also felt that it was outrageous for the FDOT to necessitate a fatality statistic as consideration to incorporate a safe traffic design. Lively Discussion ensued. Kim Delaney supported the Village in stating that turn lanes were part of the original request to the FDOT. She added that there were 13 or 14 driveways on the east side of the road and the current plan would train drivers to use the bike lane which seemed defeatist in her view. The original plan had suggested a skip stripe to alert drivers and bicyclists in areas of conflict. In addition, she revealed that there were other standards and guidelines already in place that could address this condition, as it seemed the FDOT was not yet cognizant of these alternative resolutions. Village of Tequesta resident, Darell Pastuch interjected with a statement regarding the US Highway One project and was informed by Attorney Davis and Mayor Brennan that a Council Workshop did not offer speaking opportunities to residents. Village Council Workshop Minutes May 2, 2016 Page 5 Council Member D'Ambra requested a common sense approach to the turn lane design. He reiterated that standards had been in transition and should be recognized by the traffic designers. He asked for a change instead of continuing to work within the existing framework that was presented at the meeting. Mayor Brennan asked the project team to get creative with their concepts and design. More lively discussion continued. Mayor Brennan recommended the project team not attend the Council Meeting scheduled for May 12, 2016. Instead she suggested the Village Manager, Kim Delaney and the FDOT get together to come up with a new solution. Council Member Paterno reiterated that he could not live with the current plan and would be against it. 2. Discussion regarding Mailbox Enforcement Manager Couzzo informed Council of recent mailbox construction projects throughout the Village. Mr. Tim English, Village Building Department Director, presented a power point demonstration regarding mailboxes throughout the country. He maintained that mailboxes could be within the right of way and should conform to the United States Postal Service regulations. He further stated that a mailbox could not be composed of masonry material and that it must be a "break- away" style structure. He felt the current ordinance did not refer to anything other than cell towers and utilities. He proposed a right of way utilization permit, issued by the public works department to authorize mailboxes. Manager Couzzo recommended Council take a look at the power point presentation that would be emailed to them, and asked that they consider the existing mailboxes in their decision going forward. Council Member Okun asked for clarification on the word "structure ". Manager Couzzo cautioned that some residents may seek legal counsel in order to maintain their existing structure. He agreed that enforcement could not be arbitrary in nature and must apply to all residents. Attorney Davis reminded Council that the mailbox code for the Village was new as of 2014. He maintained that the issue was how to proceed with the retroactive component of the topic. Attorney Davis revealed that there was also an issue regarding the failure to act, which could be construed as affirmative action. Council Member D'Ambra proposed re- educating residents to the code and the effective Village Council Workshop Minutes May 2, 2016 Page 6 date, and remind them of the safety issues that were involved. Manager Couzzo suggested either remove or enforce the code. Discussion ensued. Mayor Brennan opined that a letter be sent out that would point out several different problematic violations within the Village of Tequesta, including the mailboxes. The purpose of the letter would be awareness and education. It would also serve as a backup for any legal issues that may arise later. Council was in agreement of sending the letter. 3. Item number 3 was removed from the agenda. 4. 2016 Governmental Assemblies Representation Appointments Council went over the upcoming governmental meetings, and re- confirmed the designated attendees amongst each other. Mayor Brennan asked if Debra Telfrin, Village Manager's Executive Assistant, would be able to call some of the assemblies to double check the dates and confirm if they were still active. Council Member Paterno informed Council of a meeting he attended with Martin County where he discussed fire services and the possibility of servicing the Turtle Creek Community. He further advised that there would be a cell tower being installed in the area of Little Club, in Martin County, off of Country Club Drive. Council Member Paterno further informed Council of discussion concerning police presence in Tequesta Park and also of the Tequesta Bridge traffic situation. He revealed that there was a traffic study done on traffic thru Little Club and he had learned that nearly 2600 cars used that road daily. Manager Couzzo announced that he met with the top fire chief candidate and was planning a meet and greet for him, next Tuesday. Mayor Brennan revealed that Fire Captain Mark Fives announced his resignation today, as his wife received a new career opportunity in Oregon. She further revealed that Mr. Billy Newbern would be promoted to Captain and Mr. Raymond Giblin would be promoted to Lieutenant. There was also an interim firefighter returning to the Village of Tequesta. Mayor Brennan also mentioned that she would like to discuss the "reserved parking" signage within the Village. ADJOURNMENT Meeting was adjourned at 8:48 p.m. Village Council Workshop Minutes May 2, 2016 Page 7 Respectfully submitted, Lori McWilliams, MMC Village Clerk Note These summary minutes are prepared in compliance with 286.011 F.S. and are not verbatim transcripts of the meeting. A verbatim audio record is available from the office of the Village Clerk. All referenced attachments are on file in the Village Clerk's office.