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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes_Workshop_04/30/2018 MINUTES VILLAGE OF TEQUESTA WORKSHOP April 30, 2018 � CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL The meeting was called to order at 6:00 p.m. A roll call was taken by Assistant to the Village Clerk, Mary Ann Grieser. Present were: Mayor Abby Brennan (via conference call), Vice-Mayor Tom Paterno, Council Member Vince Arena, Council Member Laurie Brandon and Council Member Kristi Johnson. Attorney Davis announced that all Council Members were present, with Mayor Brennan in attendance via conference call. 1. US 1 Corridor Update Provided by Howard Webb, Florida Department of Transportation, District 4, Director of Transportation Operations. Council Member Johnson introduced Mr. Howard Webb, Director of Transportation Operations for the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT). Mr. Webb informed Council that the project started in November of 2017, with approximately 30 percent of it completed to date. Council Member Johnson commented on the discontent she had been hearing within the community and asked if the project could be reversed since less than half of the project had been completed thus far. Mr. Webb stated that there had been adequate analysis and coordination, which demonstrated that four lanes were adequate both now and in the future. It was asked if the Alternate A1 A intersection could still have three lanes, and narrow into 2 lanes further North on US Highway One. Mr. Webb reiterated to Council that plenty of data had been gathered which indicated the current plan would work. Vice Mayor Paterno inquired as to the possibility of the bike lane being changed back to a third lane. Mr. Webb believed that a study would show there was no need. Vice Mayor Paterno asked about the possibility of the left turn lane at Tequesta Drive at US Highway One being extended. Mr. Webb stated that he would check into that scenario. Vice Mayor Paterno asked if a study had been performed on bike traffic on US Highway One. Mr. Webb did not believe a study had been performed and added that narrower bike lanes would not make a difference as there would still not be enough room for three vehicle lanes. He added that the law did not allow such narrow lanes anymore. Vice Mayor Paterno commented on the large amounts of traffic, which frequently backed up and made it dangerous to merge into traffic from area businesses. He requested clarification on the actual cost of the project and was assured the FDOT would look into the matter and get back to the Council. Viilage Council Workshop Minutes April 30, 2018 Council Member Arena welcomed the FDOT and thanked them for #heir hard work on the US Highway One beautification project. He informed Council that he had been conducting his own due diligence and had been busy since January conducting traffic studies. Council Member Arena believed that the Village had experienced a "perfect storm" concerning the project because af several uncontrollable factors. Some of the factors included a record "snawbird" season with more visitors than ever before. In addition, there were more bridge openings and boat #raffic than ever, according to the US Coast Guard. Council Member Arena also noted that traffic lights were out of synchronization, which added to the traffic congestion. In his traffic study, Council Member Arena monitored both the southbound and northbound traffic near the Jupiter Inlet Bridge located US Highway 4ne. In his research, he learned that the rush hour traffic was at its peak between 5:25 p.m. and 5:4Q p.m., with the most congested area located at the US Highway One and Alternate A1 A intersection. He noted that in his research, the langest wait he endured at that intersection uvas little more than 2 minutes. In addition, he had received many letters from residents who were suppartive o# the project and were looking forward to the finished praduct. Vice Mayar Paterno asked Mr. Webb if fihere would be any cansideration tawards altering the project, if the Village brought forth a resolution. Mr. We6b stated that he did nat foresee any change in the project. Vice Mayor Paterno invited limited comments from citizens. Ms. Geraldine Genko, of 7 Country Club Circle inquired about business signage along US Highway t3ne, and mentioned that she had heard that the Village was not allowir�g temporary signage. Mr. Webb stated that there were some business signs already out but that he would ask the project team ta look into the request. Mr. Darrell Pastuch, of 391 Riverside Drive voiced his concerns regarding Council Meeting notifications, sidewalks, bridge construction and the US Highway 1 project. Mr. Dennis Pilla, of 3463 Inlet Caurt asked about proposed turn lanes. Vice Mayor Paterno acknowledged that only finro turn lanes were planned thus far, and Mr. Webb confirmed that there were no additional lanes planned. Vice Mayor Paterno asked for clarification about the FDt�T contract validity. Attorney Davis recalled there were finro separate agreements for the separate pieces af the project. He would review the agreements and report to Cauncil regarding the matter. 2. Discussion of Viilage's abandonment policy. Attorney Davis explained to Council that right-o#-way abandonments were a somewhat rare and invalved process. He revealed that many years ago the property was an Italian restaurant whase owners had applied far the abandonment process in order for the land to be commercially developable. Documents were prepared but far reasons unknown, the abandonment process had never advanced. Ne further revealed, the abandonment Village Council Workshop Minutes April 30, 2018 process did not need to be codified in order to be legally sufficient. Attorney Davis asked Council to offer feedback on any concerns they may have regarding the process. Attorney Davis further explained that the alley was a platted right-of-way, which did not "belong" to any one entity. The alley had been dedicated to the public as a public use right-of-way. Back in the late 1990s, it had been annexed into the Village and was maintained by the Village since that time. Under state law, once a right of way had been abandoned, it reverted in ownership to property owners on either side of the right-of-way. Attorney Davis asked Council to give him direction on whether they would like to codify the abandonment policy. Council asked Attorney Davis to update the policy for Council review before it was brought forth to a Workshop Meeting. Mayor Brennan signed off via conference call at 7:06 p.m. 3. RESOLUTION NO. 09-18, A RESOLUTION OF THE VILLAGE COUNCIL OF THE VILLAGE OF TEQUESTA, PALM BEACH COUNTY, FLORIDA, AMENDING AND INCREASING THE FISCAL YEAR 2017/2018 GENERAL FUND#001 BUDGET BY APPROPRIATING FUND BALANCE IN THE AMOUNT OF $123,460.00 TO FUND COSTS ASSOCIATED WITH THE REORGANIZATION OF THE BUILDING DEPARTMENT;PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY;PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES. Vice Mayor Paterno pointed out the recent change within Village Hall, whereas the building department and finance department had switched locations, for customer convenience purposes. Manager Couzzo explained that the resolution would need to come before Council during a Regular Council Meeting to appropriate the funding from the building department, in order to make the accommodations. Mr. Rodriguez informed Council that an office and conference room would be built in the back of Village Hall. He further explained that there were two new employees with insurance benefits, whereas the previous employees did not have insurance. Mr. Rodriguez clarified that the temporary employee would be working for the Village for the next six months. Manager Couzzo agreed that there would need to be some consideration for temporary/part time personnel. Mr. Rodriguez reminded Council that the cost for construction would remain the same as previously discussed at $15,000.00. Council Member Johnson asked why the cost for the scanning work was not included in the budget, as it had been known that it was necessary for some time. Vice Mayor Paterno preferred that the work in the back offices be placed on hold in the event the building department experienced any organizational changes. 4. Discussion on Golf Carts Council Member Arena recommended that golf carts be allowed on the east side of the bridge as people were already using them in that area. He understood that a study was necessary as per state statute. Vice Mayor Paterno believed it could be a safety issue Village Council Workshop Minutes Apr.il 30, 2018 even if the golf carts were allowed only as far east as the railroad tracks. Discussion ensued regarding the police department offering input on the situation. Council Member Arena asked for a report to be prepared for the next workshop on the matter. 5. Discussion Regarding Village Code Chapter 63; Regulations for Placing and Maintaining Communications Facilities in Village Rights of Way; F.S. 337.401 Updates Regarding Small Wireless Facilites; Updates Regarding Current Best Practices. Attorney Davis requested this topic be brought to a Workshop Meeting for discussion. He informed Council that the existing code was very old and "bare bones" and suggested Council direct him to update the ordinance with more modern regulatory protections. He revealed to Council that wireless companies were now requesting to place their equipment in community right-of-ways, adding that the Village should be protected and prepared. Vice Mayor Paterno wondered if any of the cellular equipment could be placed underground. Attorney Davis opined that co-location was a direction the Village could request. Additionally, using poles and facilities that were already in the ground was another possibility. Cost and regulatory issues were some other factors. Mr. Tom Bradford or 44 Chesnut Trail commented on the large equipment necessary to accommodate some new technology. He suggested a year-long moratorium in order put together an ordinance that would address the issue. Attorney Davis would only recommend a moratorium in 6-month increments, with the ability to extend the period as needed. Council directed Attorney Davis to prepare an ordinance for a year-long moratorium at the next scheduled Council Meeting. ADJOURNMENT: Vice Mayor Paterno announced the meeting was adjuourned at 7:26 p,m. PENDING TASKS: t�n Poiice in ut re ort on olf carts east of brid e hief Medina FDOT to provide answers on cost, left turn lane extension, synchronize DOT li hts Moritorium documentation ttorne Davis Village Council Workshop Minutes April 30, 2018 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 fi(e in the Village Clerk's office.