Christy Johnson Carl Mikyska Florida Greenways & Trails Foundation Perdido Key Association

Transcription

1 FLORIDA-ALABAMA CITIZENS' ADVISORY COMMITTEE (CAC) MEETING MINUTES WEST FLORIDA REGIONAL PLANNING COUNCIL (Designated staff) SANTA ROSA COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSION CHAMBERS 6495 Caroline Street; Milton, Florida June 10, 2015 Members Attending: Jim Hunt, Chairman Ralph Agnew Catherine Barnett Honor Bell, III Vernon Compton John Ellis Keith Fell Bill Jeffries Warren Jernigan Marie Kammerdiener Barbara Mayall, Vice Chairman Buzz Morley J. Alex Niedermayer Jim Roberts Thomas Steinberg Becky Washler Talbot Wilson Others Attending: David Haight Wiley Page Tim Milstead Ryan Novota Ben Faust Diane Hall Alan Dennis Colby Brown Jim DeVries David Forte Jonathan Owens Christy Johnson Carl Mikyska Dale Allen Mae Dean Carolyn Krupnick Charles Krupnick Pat McClellan Tina Morrison Kate Daniel Vikki Garrett Gary Kramer Jill Lavender Mary Robinson Dorothy McKenzie Atkins Atkins City of Milton City of Pensacola DRMP, Inc. ECAT Citizen Escambia County Escambia County Escambia County Escambia County FDOT FHWA Florida Greenways & Trails Foundation Perdido Key Association Perdido Key Association Perdido Key Association Perdido Key Chamber Perdido Key Chamber

2 Page 2 Howard Vanselow Mary Beth Washnock Gina Watson Brandi Whitehurst A. CALL TO ORDER Chairman Hunt chairman called for a roll call of members in attendance to establish a quorum. Roll Call of members in attendance: Ralph Agnew Warren Jernigan Catherine Barnett Marie Kammerdiener Honor Bell, III Barbara Mayall Vernon Compton Buzz Morley John Ellis Alex Niedermayer Keith Fell Jim Roberts Jim Hunt Thomas Steinberg Bill Jeffries Becky Washler Talbot Wilson Chairman Hunt informed the CAC that Mr. Claude Gillette verbally told one of the members that he will no longer participate as a member of the CAC. The chairman said that information was not forwarded to the staff. He said Mr. Gillette would remain on the list until there is confirmation that Mr. Gillette will no longer participate. He asked for confirmation that Mr. Larry Brown resigned from the CAC. He said that staff was told that Mr. Larry Brown no longer wishes to participate on the CAC. He said staff also received word from Mr. Lloyd Mengel that he no longer wanted to participate on the CAC. He noted Ms. Alyssa Anderson had a name change to Ms. Alyssa Curtis. He said staff was informed that Mr. Hugh Turner would no longer participate on the CAC. Chairman Hunt said there were 17 members present and that there were 7 that were not present. He said there was a quorum. Chairman Hunt officially called the meeting to order. B. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Chairman Hunt called for action on the minutes. Ms. Mayall moved to approve the February 11, 2015 meeting minutes, Ms. Washler seconded. Ms. Mayall noted a correction on Page O-23, Item #7 Consideration of the Resolution FL-AL She stated the minutes showed 123th Avenue and Bayou and it should read 12 th Avenue and Bayou. Mr. Jernigan expressed that he did not know what parts of the agenda were pertinent to the CAC. Mr. Jernigan said he wanted to know what section of the agenda to start with. Ms. Robinson said each item designates the pertinent committees. The motion passed unanimously, noting one correction on Page O-23 to read 12 th Avenue and Bayou.

3 Page 3 C. PUBLIC FORUM Alan Dennis Pensacola FL Mr. Dennis said a report was done for the Perdido Key property owners as a result of a survey. Approximately 800 people responded to the survey. He said 80% of the responses were in favor of a multi-use path on Perdido Key. He thought the project should be a top priority. Catherine Barnett Pensacola FL Ms. Barnett said a friend had told her they don t know what to do when people on bicycles and in cars throw things at them such as drink cans. Ms. Barnett spoke concerning public lighting at the airport property. She said there was no significant lighting. She said people walk and bike in the dark. She asked if LED lighting could be provided. Chairman Hunt acknowledged that objects being thrown by bicyclists is a problem. He also thought LED was the way of the future and a good prospect for lighting. Ryan Novota City of Pensacola Mr. Novota spoke to the lighting at the airport. He said there is no lighting at the airport because it is a no light zone because of the flight path. He said the FAA requires that there be no street lighting in the flight path. D. ACTION ITEMS 1. Consideration of Resolution FL-AL to Adopt the Florida-Alabama TPO FY Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) and Authorize the TPO to Administratively Amend the FY TIP to Include the Projects in FDOT s Variance Report - Enclosure B Ms. Washler moved to recommend the TPO authorize the TPO chairman sign Resolution FL- AL to adopt the Florida-Alabama TPO FY TIP and authorize the TPO to administratively amend the FY TIP to include the projects in FDOT s Variance Report. Ms. Mayall seconded the motion. Mr. Kramer briefly explained the TIP development process. He said comments received since the draft was presented have all been addressed and have been noted and/or incorporated. He asked that the CAC consider recommending that the TPO adopt the TIP as presented with those changes and with the addition of FDOT's Variance Report. Chairman Hunt said the TPO tends to bend over backwards every time FDOT makes a change to the plan. He said he did not support the action because the plan is never adhered to. The motion passed with one opposing vote by Chairman Hunt. 2. Consideration of Resolution FL-AL to Adopt the 2040 Florida-Alabama TPO Long Range Transportation Plan (LRTP) Needs Plan - Enclosure C -

4 Page 4 Mr. Mayall moved to recommend the TPO authorize the TPO chairman sign Resolution FL- AL to adopt the 2040 Florida-Alabama TPO LRTP Needs Plan. Mr. Compton seconded the motion. Mr. Kramer said work began on the LRTP in February of He said the Goals and Objectives and the Financial Resources Reports have been approved. He then introduced Mr. Page with Atkins to present the Needs Plan. Mr. Page provided a PowerPoint presentation which highlighted a future of more mobility choices, such as driverless cars, more public transportation and more walkable communities. He reviewed the results of surveys taken during public outreach that support a desire for more transportation options. He reviewed forecasted growth of the TPO area and provided map displays of current levels of congestion and how that congestion could be alleviated if funding were available to meet all of the needs. He explained changes to the needs plan that have occurred due to input received. Mr. Page advised of three suggested changes by the TCC: 1. Page C-4 Needs Plan Projects Project #4 Bell Lane Extension moved to east, and should be called Santa Villa Drive extension. 2. Addition of a project in the Navarre area Panhandle Trail from US 98 north to East River Drive to enhance two lane facilities. This was part of the South Santa Rosa Bicycle Pedestrian Master Plan recommendations. 3. Addition to major intersection Bayfront Parkway and 17 th Avenue as part of the Bay Bridge project to include roundabout/flyover (Vision Pensacola's concept). Ms. Mayall said the express bus downtown was not in the Needs Plan, and asked how to get it in the Needs Plan. Mr. Page referred to Page C-13 under transit projects and stated express service is in the plan. There was general discussion. Chairman Hunt said he wanted a narrative, not just a list of projects in the plan. Ms. Mayall said there were projects that needed to move forward and that the CAC should pass the plan. The motion passed with one opposing vote by Chairman Hunt. 3. Consideration of Resolution FL-AL to Update the Florida-Alabama Transportation Planning Organization and Advisory Committees Bylaws, Policies and Procedures - Enclosure D Mr. Ellis moved to recommend the TPO authorize the TPO chairman sign Resolution FL-AL to update the Florida-Alabama Transportation Planning Organization and Advisory Committees Bylaws, Policies and Procedures. Ms. Mayall seconded the motion. Ms. Mayall said she attended the TCC meeting that morning and the item was tabled. She asked to table the item for the CAC to allow time to consider and further discuss the document. Ms. Mayall moved to amend the motion to recommend the TPO table Resolution FL-AL to update the Florida-Alabama TPO and advisory committees bylaws, policies and procedures, pending a workshop. Mr. Roberts seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

5 Page 5 Mr. Ellis said there is language in the recommend bylaws changes that prevents advisory committees from adding items to the agenda. He thought advisory committees should be able to add items to the agenda. Chairman Hunt said that items would be considered at the workshop. 4. Consideration of Citizens Advisory Committee (CAC) Membership Applications for Two (2) New CAC Members - Enclosure E Chairman Hunt advised Ms. Tina Morrison was being considered for membership, and that Mr. Larry Newsom has withdrawn his application for now. Chairman Hunt moved to recommend the TPO authorize the TPO chairman to approve Ms. Tina Morrison as a new CAC member. Ms. Mayall seconded the motion. Ms. Whitehurst introduced Ms. Morrison as the director of the Perdido Key chamber of commerce. Ms. Morrison said she answers questions for residents, businesses, and tourists. She expressed her personal concerns regarding crossing the streets in Perdido Key due to a lack of crosswalks. The motion passed unanimously. 5. Election of Chairs and Vice Chairs for FY 2016 (July 1, 2015 through June 30, 2016) - Enclosure F Chairman Hunt said the CAC did not have a meeting in April due to a lack of a quorum. He said the bylaws state that the CAC has to have a subcommittee to nominate a chair and vice chair. The following volunteered to serve on a subcommittee: Mr. John Ellis, Mr. Thomas Steinberg, and Mr. Warren Jernigan. Chairman Hunt, Mr. Honor Bell, III and Mr. Buzz Morley volunteered to be the alternates. Ms. Mayall moved to appoint members and alternates to the nominating committee for the election of chairs and vice chairs for FY 2016 (July 1, 2015 through June 30, 2016). Mr. Morley seconded. The motion passed unanimously. E. FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION (FDOT) UPDATE Ms. Christy Johnson, FDOT Liaison, said in order for the PD&E phase for the Vision Pensacola concept to be completed it needs to be incorporated into appropriate documents. She said Secretary Barfield has met with the Mayor of Pensacola about it and FDOT will open up the production schedule for this to be completed in a separate fiscal year. She said she will present this to the TPO at today's meeting. F. REVIEW/INFROMATION ITEMS 1. Presentation of Certification Results by Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and Federal Transit Administration (FTA) - Enclosure G Ms. Lavender introduced Mr. Mikyska. Mr. Mikyska explained that TPO staff hospitably hosted FHWA and FTA staff over the past year during the federally required Transportation Management Area (TMA) certification process. He provided a PowerPoint presentation, and said there were several noteworthy practices which means that efforts in each of these areas were favorable enough to be forwarded to Washington, D.C. as examples others could follow. In addition, there were a

6 Page 6 few areas in which improvements could be made. He stressed that these were not infractions, but simply recommendations for improvement. There were also two corrective actions, including updating the interlocal agreement, which is on today's agenda. He said the Florida-Alabama TPO is certified to continue through December, 2018, when another certification review will be underway. 2. Review of the Draft Florida-Alabama TPO Public Participation Process (PPP) Update- Enclosure H Ms. Whitehurst explained that staff is not updating the existing PPP, adopted in 2012, but has rather, re-crafted the document in an effort to streamline it to show the public involvement efforts required when developing TPO plans and programs. She said this document will allow for greater flexibility and she encouraged the members to read it and provide input. A 45 day review period is required however she extended the deadline and asked that all comments be to her by September 1, Perdido Key Multi-Use Trail - - Enclosure J Ms. Mae Dean introduced herself as the president of the Perdido Key Association. Mr. Charles Krupnick from the Perdido Key Association made the presentation. Mr. Krupnick said the Perdido Key Association advocates replacing the current bicycle pedestrian trail along Perdido Key Drive with a multi-use trail separate from the road. He said the association uses surveys and public forums to gather input from the owners and residents. Mr. Krupnick said there are approximately 3,800 property owners on the Perdido Key. A survey was conducted in 2015 and 77% of the Perdido Key owners agreed that there is need for a separate off-road pedestrian and bicycle trail. He said the current trail is a shoulder on Perdido Key Drive and is hazardous. When you get to the Perdido Key state park it is a challenge to cross safely with fast moving traffic. Mr. Krupnick said they are proposing a multi-use trail that will improve safety and access that would be approximately 6.5 miles long. It would start at the Theo Baars Bridge and proceed to the Alabama line. It would be on the north side of Perdido Key Drive and be approximately ten feet wide, accessible to bicycle and pedestrian traffic. Mr. Krupnick asked Escambia County and the TPO to move the Perdido Key multi-use trail to a higher priority for funding. He said Escambia County is supporting the creation of several Perdido Key Drive crosswalks that will facilitate access from the beachfront properties to a multi-use trail on the north side. He said the Florida Greenways and Trails System is something they would like to be part of. He thought that the Perdido Key multi-use trail would tie into some of the priorities of the Greenways and Trails System. Mr. Krupnick said Amendment One to the Florida Water and Land Conservation Act specified that some tax money should go towards better environmental, recreational, and historical preservation purposes. Mr. Krupnick said engineering staff in Escambia County is working with US Fish and Wildlife on possible designs for a multi-use trail. Escambia County is working towards hiring an architectural firm to finish the Perdido Key Master Plan that was stopped in He said plans for a multi-use trail could be combined with the master plan. Mr. Krupnick said a Perdido Key multi-use trail could provide improved public safety and transportation options and increase economic opportunity.

7 Page 7 4. Draft Interlocal Agreement for Creation of the Florida-Alabama Transportation Planning Organization (TPO) - Enclosure K Chairman Hunt called on Ms. Lavender. Ms. Lavender explained the purpose of the interlocal agreement and said the process was delayed because the standard Florida form did not allow for Alabama Department of Transportation issues to be addressed. She said this has passed the legal hurdles and that the process is now moving forward. The draft was for review and would be brought forward at the next meeting for final approval. 5. Review of the Draft Florida-Alabama TPO FY Project Priorities Enclosure L Chairman Hunt called on Mr. Kramer. Mr. Kramer provided a PowerPoint presentation explaining the background and methodology for developing the Project Priorities. He said comments received during public workshops have been incorporated. He explained the types of projects included and announced the TPO and advisory committee workshop to be held the next day (June 11, 2015) at Pensacola City Hall. Mr. Kramer reviewed all the recommended changes to priorities that have been received. The priorities will be presented for adoption to the TPO in July Ms. Mayall asked that the Langley Avenue/Tippin Avenue/9 th Avenue major intersection improvement priority be moved up further on the list because of the large number of accidents. 6. Summary of Signal Retiming, Arterial Traffic Management System (ATMS) Feasibility and Implementation Plan, and Traffic Signalization Tasks of the Existing Joint Partnership Agreement (JPA) Enclosure M Chairman Hunt called on Ms. Kate Daniel. Ms. Daniel introduced Mr. Colby Brown, who provided a history of the county's work with FDOT, the City of Pensacola and the consultant Volkert on this project. He said the county is now working with DRMP on the signalization program and he introduced Mr. Ben Faust with DRMP. Mr. Faust provided a PowerPoint presentation and explained that the overall purpose of their work is to provide continuation of the regional signal retiming program and to work to enhance the system. He noted that this is to serve all of the TPO area, not just Escambia County. He noted areas where re-timing needs have been identified. They include US29 in Escambia County, US90 throughout Santa Rosa County, US 98 through Gulf Breeze and Garden Street in downtown Pensacola. He explained that Phase I of the ATMS project is basically done, which includes 18 intersections in Escambia County. He explained steps coming up in the process. 7. Review of the Draft Transit Facilities Standards Study Enclosure N Chairman Hunt called on Ms. Vikki Garrett. Ms. Garrett explained the timeline for the development of this draft. She asked that any comments be provided by June 17, The study will be presented to the TPO for acceptance and approval during the July 2015 meeting. Chairman Hunt commented on the cost of the study He said there was a cost of $65,000 for 304 pages, at a cost of $214 per page. He said there were 18 pages of original material. He questioned as to whether the report could really help in determining where to locate bus stops. He expressed that much of the $65,000 for the report represented plagiarism and was irresponsible. 8. Florida Greenways and Trails Foundation FGT) Close the Gaps Campaign - Enclosure I

8 Page 8 Mr. Dale Allen, the Executive Director of Florida Greenways & Trails Foundation, addressed the CAC. Mr. Allen said his organization advocates for the advancement of connecting all paved trails in Florida into a statewide network. He said the trails are used for recreation, fitness, and health purposes. Mr. Allen said in central Florida a program is in place known as the Coast to Coast Connector. The trails are 75% complete in being connected across the state. It is expected that by 2020 the trails will be completely connected across the state. To date there are 600 miles of connected trails in Florida. Mr. Allen described a system for connected trails in the Florida Panhandle. He said in the panhandle there are presently more gaps than completed trails. A 300 mile connected system known as the Great Northwest Coastal Regional Connector is planned. It will link the Pensacola metropolitan area all the way to Tallahassee. G. INFORMATION ITEMS (NO PRESENTATION) The following items were included in the agenda: TPO Meeting Schedule Letter from FDOT to Escambia County Regarding Bridge Replacement Funding Advisory Committee Minutes (CAC, February 2015 TCC, April 2015) H. ADJOURN There being no further business the meeting adjourned. Approved by CAC Date: July 8, 2015 Signed: