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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes_Workshop_07/21/2016 MINUTES VILLAGE OF TEQUESTA WORKSHOP July 21, 2016 %/' r � :.� ��� r ��' CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL The meeting was called to order at 7:30 a.m. A roll call was taken by Village Clerk, Lori McWilliams. Present were: Mayor Abby Brennan, Vice Mayor Vince Arena, Council Member Tom Paterno and Council Member Frank D'Ambra. Council Member Steve Okun was absent. APPROVALOFAGENDA MOTION: Council Member D'Ambra moved approva/ of the agenda; seconded by Vice Mayor Arena; motion carried unanimously 4-0. 1. Discussion Regarding FDOT US Highway One Corridor Plans Mayor Brennan reminded Council that this meeting was a follow-up to the Village Council Workshop they had recently attended on July 19, 2016, regarding the proposed Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) US Highway One corridor plans. She asked if anyone had any thoughts or questions concerning the prior meeting. Council Member Paterno stated that he had a problem with the plan as it gave the Village no dedicated turn lanes on US Highway One, which he viewed as a safety issue. Council Member D'Ambra reminded Council that the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) had certain limitations within the design. He felt the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) gave the Village as much as they were able to and believed the plan was a huge improvement from the one submitted at the June workshop meeting. Vice Mayor Arena added that the lane size reduction was a concern of his and asked about a possible speed limit change. Council Member D'Ambra recalled that the Village could request to reduce the speed limit. He understood the lane width concern, yet felt if it could not be adjusted, it was still manageable. Mayor Brennan felt the speed limit may be able to be adjusted and further revealed that the Jupiter Bridge project would be starting soon. She stated that she never envisioned maintaining the current speed limit, but imagined a plan that would capture the vision of a small village area, prompting traffic to naturally slow down. Council Member Paterno emphasized that taking the speed limit down to 40 miles per hour was unreasonable, considering five tanes would be reduced into only two lanes. He continued to state that it would be expensive to remove the concrete curbing, should the Village elect to make changes in the future. Council Member Paterno maintained that the new plan was a major safety issue because of the lack of room for making turns and the Viilage Council Workshop Minutes July 21, 2016 Page 2 potential for traffic to become bottlenecked. Council Member D'Ambra reminded Council that the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) designed roads all the time and did the necessary safety studies. Council Member Paterno felt that Council was concentrating on the businesses instead of the safety components of the plan. Council Member D'Ambra responded by stating that his objective had always been to create a roadway that was consistent in keeping with the character of the community. He emphasized that he was not concerned about commuters that were speeding thru town, but instead was concerned with creating a friendly road for the residents of Tequesta. Council Member D'Ambra expressed that the project was about transforming the current highway into a friendly thoroughfare instead of having an express-way running through the middle of the Village. Council Member Paterno expressed that he was not against the Beall's Outlet bump-out, as it was a prime example of what should be done in certain situations. He was concerned that the bump-out would push traffic into other lanes and pointed out that a five- foot bump- out was substantial. Council Member D'Ambra suggested the Village ask the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) for modifications to the areas of concern instead of cancelling the entire project. Mayor Brennan revealed that she was surprised to recently learn that there had only been five accidents along the US One and Village Boulevard intersection within the past several years. She explained that it helped her to understand why the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) would not incorporate a turn lane in the plan. Manager Couzzo stated that the Village would be able to create a turn lane on its own as long as the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) gave their consent. Vice Mayor Arena conveyed that he understood Council Member Paterno's position on the bump-out affecting vehicles turning as he had witnessed a similar situation personally. Council Member D'Ambra felt Council could at least ask the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) about reducing the size of the bump out. Council Member Paterno relayed that he was not satisfied with the current plan but would have a clear conscience as he had repeatedly voiced his concerns on the subject. Mayor Brennan suggested Council ask the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) for additional reflectors and striping at the intersection of Tequesta Drive and US Highway One. She further informed Council that Father Chuck, Pastor at Saint Jude Catholic Village Councii Workshop Minutes July 21, 2016 Page 3 Church, had agreed to the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) recommendations for the turn lane. Mayor Brennan asked Manager Couzzo to speak with the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) about the bump out issue. She shared with Council that the Jupiter Bridge would be closed for two years and would be increased by 12 feet in height. ADJOURNMENT: Council MemberD'Ambra moved to adjourn the meeting; seconded Vice MayorArena. The motion to adjourn carried unanimously 4-0; therefore, the meeting was adjourned at 8:26 a.m. RespectFully submitted, � � �-(, � , f L� t.�-C,�.��-- 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.