City of St. Petersburg PUBLIC SERVICES & INFRASTRUCTURE COMMITTEE Meeting of JANUARY 30, :15 A.M. City Hall, Room 100

Transcription

1 City of St. Petersburg PUBLIC SERVICES & INFRASTRUCTURE COMMITTEE Meeting of JANUARY 30, :15 A.M. City Hall, Room 100 Members and Alternates: Councilmembers William Bill Dudley, Steve Kornell, Wengay Newton, Darden Rice, and James Kennedy (alternate) Support Staff: Ken Betz, primary staff support and Brian Campbell, backup staff support A. Call to Order B. Approval of Agenda C. Approval of Minutes 1. January 16, 2014 D. New Business 1. Honey Bee Infestation - Councilmember Kornell E. Upcoming Meetings 1. February 13, 2014 (a) Discussion: Sec Skateboarding on private or public property. 2. February 27, 2014 (a) Sign Ordinance Updates - Dave Goodwin 3. March 13, 2014 (a) Sea Level Rise - Mike Connors F. Continued/Deferred Business - September 29, Pending and Continuing Referral List G. Adjournment

2 CITY OF ST. PETERSBURG PSI Committee Meeting Minutes January 16, 2014 at 9:17a.m. PRESENT: ABSENT: ALSO: Committee Members William Dudley, Chair; Vice Chair Steve Kornell, Wengay Newton and James Kennedy, Alternate. None. Council Members Karl Nurse, and Charlie Gerdes; Chief Assistant City Attorney Mark Winn; Primary Staff Support Golf Course Operations Manager Ken Betz; Secondary Support Staff Brian Campbell; Parking and Transportation Director Joe Kubicki; Lieutenant Cleven Wyatt (SPPD; Matt Florell; Deputy City Clerk Amelia Preston and others. The meeting was called to order by Chair Dudley at 9: 17 a.m. with the above members present. In connection with the agenda for the January 16, 2014 meeting, Vice Chair Kornell moved that the agenda for January 16, 2014 be approved as submitted. All were in favor of the motion. Absent. Newton. In connection with review of the December 12, 2013 meeting minutes, Vice Chair Kornell moved that the Committee approve the December 2, All were in favor of the motion. Absent. Newton. In connection with the new business item relating to Selection of Chair and Vice Chair, Committee Member Rice moved with the second of Committee Member Kennedy that Chair Bill Dudley be approved as the new chair of the Public Safety & Infrastructure Committee. All were in favor of the motion. Absent. Newton. Committee Member Kennedy moved with the second of Committee Member Rice that Committee Member Steve Kornell be approved as the Vice Chair of the Public Safety & Infrastructure Committee. All were in favor of the motion. Absent. Committee Member Newton. Committee Member Newton was reported present at 9:19a.m. In connection the new business item relating to Yellow Light Study Presentation by Joe Kubicki, Chair Dudley asked that the presentation made first with questions at the end. Parking and Transportation Director Joe Kubicki commented that he has talked to all of the different people that are involved. He is going to begin with the yellow Light study where there are over 100 communities in the State of Florida that use red light camera and most use the ATS; and all are managed the same as we(city) do.

3 ., PSI Meeting Minutes January 16, 2014 Page 2 He commented on the changes that have been made statewide; provided a brief history from back to 2011 the goals were established to implement the program. Mr. Kubicki commented briefly on traffic accidents where there has been a reduction of accidents since the program has been implemented; commented on speed limits listed close to the intersection; clarified they must come to a complete stop before crossing over the stop bar with turning right if permissible at a red light with cameras no more than 12 mph or less if done in a safe and prudent manner. There was discussion by lengthen the yellow time and reduce the number of people that run the yellow light, they did research and did a study to determine and the study that was brought back to the committee. He stated that there was no credible support regarding the yellow timing; commented that FDOT require them to use their timing for all lights. They can only make changes to the yellow after a yellow light study has been done. It was shared that they had 298 Signalized Intersections within the City and they did not make any changes initially; after council they did request that the State review, there was no appeal process and Uniform Traffic Citation UTC could be issued; commented on the suggested changes and the reaction time really should be a little slower. It was revealed that in 2013 it was in a review process and they could only do it after FDOT allowed them to. He commented on two cases where there was an increase and two cases where they reduced the time and they now follow the FDOT policy and they have until the end of the year to do that and they will be updated all of their signals with new system and they are proceeding. Mr. Kubicki commented on the proposed changes that the grade is now being included in the decision and the use of 1.6 feet is the new change that they had to get approval by FDOT. He commented on the one location where the change was made in the field. It was revealed that all of their systems meet the new policy. In connection with the review of the second year of operations, Mr. Kubicki will give a little bit of background regarding implementation of the Traffic Safety that has been in place for 10 years; and provided a Powerpoint Presentation which revealed the following: commented on the changes that have been made since 2002 and in 2008 they became a user friendly Bicycle Safety/Pedestrian Safety and they have expanded the sidewalks. Mr. Kubicki commented on the Meanstreet where they are number 1; commented on the decrease in the number of vehicle that are getting involved with crashes and improving safety at intersections as well as improving the safety of the individuals in the State of Florida. They began this program with 22 approaches at 10 intersections; cameras were installed; and there was a reduction in injuries. He provided a copy of the updated information which included data on the second year and how the money is received from each citation. It was shared that it takes 6 officers to cover one intersection and one Red light Camera will cover 6 Police Officers.

4 PSI Meeting Minutes January 16, 2014 Page 3 Mr. Kubicki commented that they have reviewed the data from each intersection and there is 42% reduction and a 70% reduction in injury and they have had 50% reduction in red light running. He commented that most people who receive citation live outside the city. Mr. Kubicki stated that fewer people are getting caught; commented on the appeal procedure where people who have a question/appeal process once a month. He commented on the right turn policy of the law which reflects that the person must first come to a complete stop before making the turn and would not be issued a violation during less than 12 miles per as long as they do it in a" careful and prudent manner," They have responded to and operated within the letter of the law. Mr. Kubicki reacted to comments and suggested they continue to support the program. Committee Member Kennedy inquired about Matt Florell's qualifications to speak at this meeting. Chair Dudley invited Mr. Floren to address the Committee regarding his findings relating to the data that was submitted from ATS on the Red Light Camera information. Matt Floren stated that he is a college graduate with a Bachelor in Science Degree in Computer Science and communication now called Carol Community College. He commented briefly on his program and the statistic reports and programming that rotate around phone calls. He commented that the data is directly out of the system from ATS as it relate to the information that he is going to provide today. Committee Member Kennedy expressed concern regarding the ability of an individual without proper credentials to give testimony before the Committee. He commented that they should develop a process on how testimony can be given to anyone coming to speak on an issue. Committee Members Newton, Rice and Kornell were allowed to comment on the process. Committee Member Newton made a motion to allow Mr. Floren to speak. Chair Dudley provided clarification and stated that Mr. Floren would be allowed to speak. Committee Member Newton withdrew his motion. Mr. Floren commented that for the first two years he has data on all of the tags; commented that 10% received more than one citation. He stated that it is over 50% who live in St. Petersburg. He commented that one individual has received more than 10 citations. He stated that he has reviewed all of the citations and red light running data. He commented on the rear ends that have occurred and commented on the slope where he has talked to 12 Engineers about the slope. He also commented on the effect that the yellow light has on citations. Mr. Floren extended an invitation for each of them to attend a Red Light Local Administrative Hearing on January 17, 2014 at 1:00 p.m. Chair Dudley stated that it is Staffs job to put information regarding the law out there and if you can prove they ran the light they can be cited.

5 PSI Meeting Minutes January 16, 2014 Page 4 Vice Chair Kornell commented on $2,814,851 that was taken in over the past two years. It was shared that they will get the number/information to him. He asked for the definition of red light crashes. It was shared that the Manual they are using are required by law to follow the FDOT. He inquired if it was dangerous to change the yellow times. There was discussion on the repeat offenders. It was shared that they use the zip code that were on the individual's addresses. Committee Member Kennedy expressed concern regarding the information that was being given today; inquired about the program and whether or not the program is run the same as in other municipalities. There was discussion regarding right on red after they stop; urge that this information be provided to the citizens. Traffic Commander in the City of St. Pete is Lieutenant Cleven Wyatt shared that they would need between 6-8 Police Officers to cover a Red Light intersection. Mr. Kubicki also stated support of the program being expanded. Committee Member Newton inquired about the information received by an Engineer who commented on the grade of 1.6 changed a.06; inquired if the persons that got tickets during the timeframe be receiving a refund. The response was no. It was shared that there were marginal errors. He commented that he does not go out, but people in his department go out and looked at them. It was shared that they have 300 people overall. It was asked if they continue to go out and inspect all of the approaches within the City that are in existence and indicated that the City received $21.00 of each Red Light Camera citation which has amounted to $841,862 being added to the general fund for the past two years. It was shared if the officer had stopped the vehicle. commented on the issue as it relate to cameras being used at the intersections and the problems that have been brought to our attention has come by the citizen; and presented a brief caption of red light; Committee Member Rice commented on the tools that they are using and there is concern about the pedestrian, bicycle crashes and the Mainstreet that caused this to be put in place. She shared that FDOT is geared for automobiles but not the pedestrian. She stated that coffers of state government are getting most of the money and expressed concern that the money is not going to help the City to improve the intersections. Mr. Kubicki provided a response on the reason why people don't like crossing at the corners and intersection. He expressed concern regarding the ability to change people and it is one more tool to assist people with the ability to enjoy a walk downtown.

6 PSI Meeting Minutes January 16, 2014 Page 5 Council Member Charlie Gerdes expressed that his issues can be address for the workshop regarding the conclusion that the software controller time listed on the tickets were different and the yellow times by ATS are incorrect. He would like to know the answer and what the yellow light on the video says. Mr. Kubicki stated further that he would like to invite Matt to come into his office between now and the workshop to review those times. There was discussion that the yellow light time on October 4, 2013 was changed and inquired if that was one where the time went down and they have now implemented a different time but the individuals have not changed their behavior. Council Member Gerdes stated that Staff needs to understand how changing something without informing the public create a problem. He also inquired if Staff has any data to support the reductions at total crashes and that red light cameras are not significantly lower. He commented on the punishment verses safety and that its revenue and voiced concern when issues are being brought to our attention that they be reviewed. Committee Member Amy Foster inquired as to why they used data from 2008 when the program was implemented in She also inquired about the staff time and that the public records have to be consistent of the program; and stated she would like understand the program better. She commented briefly on the gray issue on January 7, 2014 and changes made on January 9, 2014 and the ability to measure the program. It was shared that information will be provided at the workshop. Mr. Kubicki commented that if he said it is not broken then it is not broken; however, Mr. Floren is coming up with things that are not the entire citizens but it is one individual and one location had a grade issue and they would have preferred that he had come to him before coming to Council. He wants to change the behavioral that is need. Chair Dudley briefly that 13% of the money received for the citations comes to the City. It was reflected that the City of Baltimore has expanded their program. They will discuss this topic further at the workshop. Committee Member Newton inquired if they could put the numbers together for the workshop. There being no further business the meeting was adjourned at 10:56 a.m.

7 PUBLIC SERVICES & INFRASTRUCTURE (PS&I) COMMITTEE PREPARED ON January 22, 2014 PENDING / CONTINUING REFERRALS TOPIC DATE REFERRED REFERRED BY MEETING DATE(S) RETURN DATE STAFF SPECIAL NOTES 1 Public Safety Public Safety (From Goal Setting Workshop) 06/11/12 Council 06/14/12 Video Date to be obtained by CM Dudley SPPD Chief Harmon A presentation responding to select public safety items discussed during City Council s Goal Setting Workshop. Items extracted from that list for discussion include: 1) drug activity; 2) proactive policing; 3) expansion of uniformed personnel; 4) citizen involvement (volunteers) / crime watch. 2 Towing Ordinance 04/19/12 Newton TBD Referral Document 3 4 Urban Farming 07/12/12 Nurse 06/13/13 - Video Sign Ordinance Updates a revised sign std b. Yard signs. 11/2/12 ( ) Council & Staff 2/13/2014 December 2013 January 2014 Planning & EcoDev Goodwin Lazzara Kilborn Planning & EcoDev Goodwin Gerdes Referral Document On 12/12/13 referred to staff for further clarification. a. Discussion on how the changes made to the sign regulations are working. b. Discussion on restricting signage in yards other than the front, allowing signs to remain when brought into compliance, allowing text on murals/artwork 5 Unimproved Alleys 12/20/12 Nurse TBD Zoning Department Lazzara Referral Document 6 Yellow Light Study 4/4/13 Gerdes 06/13/13 - Video January 2014 Trans.Parking Mgt. Kubicki Referral Document On 1/16/2014 referred to City Council Workshop 7 Capital Projects Downtown Intermodal Facility Study 10/07/09 Staff 10/22/09 02/11/10 07/29/10 08/12/10 - Video Late 2014 / Early 2015 Trans.Parking Mgt. Kubicki Report on site evaluations and RFP. CM Danner gave brief update on 3/28/13. Tabled until late 2014 / early Page 1 of 2

8 PUBLIC SERVICES & INFRASTRUCTURE (PS&I) COMMITTEE PREPARED ON January 22, 2014 TOPIC PENDING / CONTINUING REFERRALS DATE REFERRED REFERRED BY MEETING DATE(S) RETURN DATE STAFF SPECIAL NOTES 8 Chain Link Fencing (Central) 08/22/13 Danner 09/12/13 TBD Planning & EcoDev Goodwin Referral Document 9 Sea Level Rise 12/5/13 Curran 02/27/2014 Public Works Mike Connors Proposed Ordinance No. 101-H Municipal Equality Index Ranking 12/5/13 Kornell From City Council Meeting 12/5/ Honey Bee Infestation 12/19/13 Kornell 1/30/2014 From City Council Meeting 11/25/ Parking in Front Yards 12/19/2013 Kornell s Department Dave Dickerson From City Council Meeting 11/25/ After Hours Permit Fee 12/19/2013 Danner From City Council Meeting 12/19/2013. Page 2 of 2