PINELLAS COUNTY METROPOLITAN PLANNING ORGANIZATION MINUTES MEETING OF SEPTEMBER 14, 2011

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1 PINELLAS COUNTY METROPOLITAN PLANNING ORGANIZATION MINUTES MEETING OF SEPTEMBER 14, 2011 The Pinellas County Metropolitan Planning Organization, created by the State of Florida in accordance with Title 23 United States Code, Section 134 and Chapter Florida Statutes, met in regular session on Wednesday, September 14, 2011 in the chambers of the Pinellas County Commission, 315 Court Street, Clearwater, Florida. MEMBERS PRESENT David Eggers Chairman Mayor, City of Dunedin Commission Karen Seel Vice Chairman Board of County Commissioners (arrived at 1:13 p.m.) Jeff Danner Secretary/Treasurer Councilman, City of St. Petersburg Council Neil Brickfield Board of County Commissioners Harriet Crozier Commissioner, City of Largo Frank Hibbard Mayor, City of Clearwater William Mischler Mayor, City of Pinellas Park Herbert Polson Councilman, City of St. Petersburg Council Jim Ronecker Mayor, City of Oldsmar representing Oldsmar/Safety Harbor/Tarpon Springs Kenneth Welch Board of County Commissioners Debbie Hunt (representing Don Skelton, ex officio Secretary, Florida Department of Transportation District 7) MEMBERS ABSENT Julie Bujalski Commissioner, City of Dunedin, representing PSTA OTHERS PRESENT Brian Smith MPO Executive Director Sarah Ward MPO Transportation Planning Division Manager David Sadowsky County Attorney's Office Brian Beaty Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) Ming Gao Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) Marc Hanger Pinellas County Planning/MPO Gina Harvey Pinellas County Planning/MPO Chelsea Favero Pinellas County Planning/MPO Al Bartolotta Pinellas County Planning/MPO Bob Bray City of Pinellas Park Joe Kubicki City of St. Petersburg Tom Whalen City of St. Petersburg Bob Klute City of Largo Ken Jacobs Pinellas County Traffic Pete Yauch Pinellas County Traffic Wilfred Sergeant CAC Nick Fritsch CAC Paul Gibson City of Clearwater Councilman Vivian Peters TAC Jim Green CareRide, LLC Brad Miller Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PSTA) Carolyn Kuntz MPO Recorder I. CALL TO ORDER Chairman Eggers called the meeting to order at 1:00 p.m. and welcomed Debbie Hunt, the new FDOT District VII Director of Transportation Development, who was sitting in for Don

2 Skelton. Commissioner Bujalski called to let him know she was sick and wouldn t be able to make the meeting. II. III. IV. INVOCATION AND PLEDGE Mayor Mischler performed the invocation and led the Pledge of Allegiance. CITIZENS TO BE HEARD No citizens came forward to speak. CONSENT AGENDA A. Approval of Minutes Meeting of July 15, 2011 B. Approval of Invoices 1. Tindale-Oliver and Associates 2. Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority C. Approval of Job Access and Reverse Commute (JARC) Subgrantee Agreement Amendments D. Approval of Printing of Pedestrian Safety Awareness Day Brochures E. Approval of Level of Service (LOS) Table and Maps F. Approval of Printing of Notification of Changes for Transportation Disadvantaged Clients G. Approval of City of St. Petersburg Contract Amendment Mayor Hibbard moved, Commissioner Crozier seconded, and motion passed to approve the Consent Agenda as presented, including the additional invoice in the folders for $209, from PSTA for the Pinellas Alternatives Analysis (Vote 9-0). V. PUBLIC HEARING REGARDING PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO THE TRANSPOR- TATION IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM (TIP) Brian Beaty, FDOT, briefly described the TIP amendments as follows: S.R. 60 (Courtney Campbell Causeway) multi-use trail project to add $1,005,000 for consultant costs in FY 2012 for the design phase of Pinellas County s portion of the Courtney Campbell Causeway Scenic Multi-Use Trail from Bayshore Boulevard to east of Tampa Bay Bridge #138 and $511,000 for consultant costs in FY 2012 for the design phase of Pinellas County s portion of the Courtney Campbell Causeway Scenic Multi- Use Trail from east of Tampa Bay Bridge #138 to the Pinellas/Hillsborough County line funding source from FDOT s Enhancement Contingency fund. S.R. 682 (Pinellas Bayway Structure C) bridge replacement to add $57,400,000 in FY 2012 for the construction phase of the Pinellas Bayway Bridge from east of Gulf Boulevard to west of S.R. 679 funding sources from FDOT s District Dedicated Revenue and Pinellas Bayway toll revenues. Nursery Road sidewalk project from Keene Road to Oakadia Drive West for design and construction replaces the funding source from Enhancement with Safe Routes to School. FDOT broke the County s original project into three segments, with the other two segments to be included in the upcoming FDOT Tentative Work Program for funding. The following TIP amendments are roll forward projects that were not obligated prior to June 30, 2011, so the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)/Federal Transit Administration (FTA) funding was moved from FY 2011 to FY 2012 in the Work Program. These amendments will reconcile year one of the TIP with year one of the Work Program and are necessary to receive federal authorization for these projects. St. Petersburg/Clearwater International Airport adds $1,250,000 in FY 2011/12 for aviation revenue/operations funding source from a 2010 federal earmark by the Federal Transit Administration (FDOT will clarify description in the upcoming FDOT Tentative Work Program). 2

3 Pinellas County Jobs Access Reverse Commute (JARC) Program adds $1,251,489 in FY 2011/12 for the Pinellas County s Jobs Access Reverse Commute (JARC) Program to allow for the development and maintenance of transportation services designed to transport welfare recipients and eligible low-income individuals to and from jobs and activities related to their employment. The funding source for this project is section 5316 federal earmark by the Federal Transit Administration. Pinellas County New Freedom (NF) Program adds $921,925 in FY 2011/12 for Pinellas County s New Freedom (NF) Program and is necessary to receive federal authorization for funding. The NF Program is designed to provide services and public transportation alternatives for disabled individuals beyond those required by the Americans with Disabilities Act of The funding source for this project is section 5317 federal earmark by the Federal Transit Administration. St. Petersburg Central Avenue Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) adds $500,000 in FY 2011/12 for the City of St. Petersburg s Central Avenue Bus Rapid Transit Program. The funding source for this project is a section 5309/Urban Corridor Improvements fund by the Federal Transit Administration. Listed below are administrative modifications to the TIP, which are minor project changes that do not require public review and comment, demonstration of fiscal constraint, or a conformity determination per 23CFR These administrative modifications have been approved by the MPO Executive Director under authority previously authorized by the MPO Board. The MPO Board must be notified when this authority is exercised. City of Safety Harbor Railroad Crossing Signal Equipment Replacement adds $169,400 in FY 2011/12 for the replacement of antiquated railroad signal equipment in the City of Safety Harbor at Railroad Avenue. The funding source for this project is the Statewide Railroad Crossing Safety program Protection Devices fund. City of Clearwater Railroad Crossing Signal Equipment Replacement adds $45,050 in FY 2011/12 for the replacement of antiquated railroad signal equipment in the City of Clearwater at Hercules Avenue. The funding source for this project is the Statewide Railroad Crossing Safety program Protection Devices fund. **Commissioner Seel arrived at 1:13 p.m.** Chairman Eggers indicated both the Technical Coordinating and Citizens Advisory Committees recommended approval. Upon call for public comment, no one came forward. Councilman Polson moved and Commissioner Welch seconded a motion to approve the TIP amendments. Commissioner Brickfield stated he was in agreement with amendments 3 8 but did not concur with 1 and 2. The motion was approved by roll call vote, with Commissioner Brickfield casting a dissenting vote (Vote 9-1). VI. PUBLIC HEARING REGARDING PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO THE TRANSPORTA- TION ENHANCEMENT PROGRAM PRIORITY LIST Ms. Ward reported this is a follow-up to the earlier item to amend the TIP. Nursery Road is now being funded with Safe Routes to School instead of Transportation Enhancement funds. The Nursery Road sidewalk projects are included in the Transportation Enhancement Priority List in two phases (Projects #6 and 18); therefore, the Enhancement Priority List needs to be amended to remove those projects. A letter from Pinellas County requesting the change is 3

4 included in the agenda packet for reference. The Enhancement Priority List also includes an update regarding the status of each project. Upon call for public comment, no one came forward. Mayor Hibbard moved, Commissioner Crozier seconded, and motion carried to amend the Transportation Enhancement Priority List by roll call vote (Vote 10-0). VII. PUBLIC HEARING REGARDING PROPOSED AMENDMENT TO THE MPO S LONG RANGE TRANSPORTATION PLAN Ms. Ward indicated staff is proposing to amend Tables 61 and 62 of the Long Range Transportation Plan (LRTP) to reflect the changes in funding amounts and the schedule for those projects. Funding has become available for the construction of the S.R. 60/Courtney Campbell Causeway Trail, which is currently shown in the LRTP as being cost feasible but is now included in the current FDOT 5-Year Work Program. In order to make sure that this project can be completed according to the new schedule and receive the funding that it needs, FDOT and Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) have requested amendment of the LRTP to include the new timeline and funding sources for the project. It has also been requested that the funding sources be shown in Year of Expenditure dollars for committed projects. Table 61 is being amended to include the S.R. 60/Courtney Campbell Causeway Trail project, as well as to incorporate other Trailways projects that are included in the current 5-Year Work Program. In addition, Table 62 is being amended to remove these projects from the Cost Feasible Plan. Upon call for public comment, no one came forward. Mayor Ronecker moved, Commissioner Welch seconded, and motion carried to amend the LRTP by roll call vote, with Commissioner Brickfield casting the dissenting vote (Vote 9-1). VIII. PUBLIC HEARING REGARDING JOB ACCESS AND REVERSE COMMUTE AND NEW FREEDOM PROJECTS Ms. Ward indicated this is the annual adoption of the Jobs Access and Reverse Commute (JARC) and New Freedom Program priority list for FY 2010/11. The JARC Program is intended to assist low income individuals with transportation options to allow them to get back and forth to work. The New Freedom Program is more focused on Americans with Disabilities Act and providing transportation for individuals with some type of disability. Four applications were received for the JARC Program and six applications were received for the New Freedom Program. The Pinellas County MPO is the Designated Recipient for these funds and administers the program. As such, the MPO retains a portion of the funding for administrative purposes. The priorities are selected by a joint committee consisting of an MPO staff member from Hillsborough, Pinellas, and Pasco counties, a FDOT District 7 representative, and a Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council staff member. Both Pasco and Hillsborough MPOs have approved the priority rankings and funding levels. Upon query by Commissioner Welch, Ms. Ward responded these programs are treated as a grant program and requires matching funds, which can limit agencies from responding. Staff holds workshops and places advertisements to get the information out to potential grantees. Commissioner Welch asked if Pinellas County had been competitive in going after these funds. Ms. Ward responded Pinellas County agencies have applied for less funding than Hillsborough County agencies. Mr. Smith added that there is a 50% match and must be new service and not existing service. 4

5 Commissioner Brickfield noted he had the same concerns and asked Mr. Miller, PSTA Executive Director, and he indicated that PSTA will be more aggressive next year in applying for funds. Upon call for public comment, no one came forward. Councilman Polson moved, Mayor Hibbard seconded, and motion carried to approve the JARC and New Freedom projects by roll call vote (Vote 10-0). IX. UPDATE ON THE ADVANCED TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT SYSTEM/INTELLIGENT TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM PROGRAM Pete Yauch, Director of Transportation and Stormwater for Pinellas County s Department of Environmental Infrastructure, reviewed a PowerPoint regarding an update to the Advanced Traffic Management System (ATMS)/Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) program. A copy of the PowerPoint is included in the agenda packet. The presentation included background, benefits, incident management, traveler information, Advanced Traffic Management System, status of adaptive installations, fiber optic communications network, Primary Control Center, and system partnerships. **Commissioner Brickfield left at 1:44 p.m.** **Commissioner Brickfield returned at 1:48 p.m.** Mr. Yauch noted that the majority of people base the success of signal timing on being able to progress down a corridor through the green phase and not being stopped by a red signal. His staff works closely with the City of Clearwater regarding signal timing concerns on Gulfto-Bay Boulevard. ATMS is based on systemwide delays and reduces the wait time for the red signal on a primary corridor, giving priority to the main corridor as opposed to the side streets. The secondary factor is the reduction of stopping for red signals. County staff is continuing to work with the City staff. They have changed the signal timing to time of day plans for both the morning and evening peak times and adaptive control for the off-peak periods. This seems to be working well. There is a third adaptive signal they are anticipating using for S.R. 580, which is an independently-developed system. It s a progression-based algorithm and has shown good results on non-saturated roadways. He continued with his PowerPoint reviewing the fiber optics network, the Primary Control Center, working with partner cities and agencies, and implementation schedule status. Mayor Hibbard reported that Clearwater residents have expressed concern with the progression of the signal timing along Gulf-to-Bay Boulevard that they are stopped by numerous red signals while they are doing the speed limit. Clearwater Councilman Paul Gibson appeared before the Board and expressed his disappointment with the progression of green signals along Gulf-to-Bay Boulevard. He is stopped by a number of red signals along that corridor on a regular basis. He questioned how much longer should this system be kept when it is not working as envisioned, especially the fact the County is expanding the system. Commissioner Seel responded that, when the County wanted to move forward with ATMS, these two systems were chosen because they were cutting edge. Pinellas was the first county in the U.S. to do an arterial program. They were aware the systems would require monitoring and improvements. She originally had a concern with the type of adaptive software to be used for Gulf-to-Bay Boulevard because it was designed to be pedestrian friendly, which creates more red signals to allow pedestrians to cross the road. The adaptive software being used on U.S. 19 is different and she has asked that software be used on Gulfto-Bay Boulevard since it allows for more green signals. Currently, it s being implemented for 5

6 a segment of U.S. 19 to 54 th Avenue and, if it allows for good progression, then the determination will be made whether to use it on Gulf-to-Bay Boulevard. Mr. Yauch added that they are using the time of day plan for morning and evening peak periods to allow for progression during the heaviest travel times. The challenge is to provide progression on congested roadways and allow for pedestrian crossings. They have been using this plan for approximately nine months. They are working closely with the City staff to identify the best approach. The system shows that it is reducing travel delay. Mayor Hibbard noted that the local governments are limited in providing additional capacity so they need to make the system more efficient to manage congestion. A number of pedestrians are not crossing at the intersection but wherever it is convenient for them. He questioned what criteria are being used to judge the success of the software. He wants to make sure the right software is being used for its application. Mr. Yauch responded they are monitoring improvements in delays and congestion. They receive travel time information from the sensors that provides feedback on how well the system is performing. They are able to implement different timing plans/adaptive software and determine the difference of each performance. The ITS Advisory Committee meets quarterly where the issues are discussed to determine the best approach. They have received a lot of positive feedback for the third generation adaptive software that is being planned to be implemented on S.R. 580 and they will see if it could be used on Gulf-to-Bay Boulevard as well. Upon query by Mayor Hibbard regarding cost of the software, Mr. Yauch responded that the cost is being reduced significantly for the various types of adaptive software. He stated staff will continue to look at options to improve the system. X. UPDATE ON TBARTA S MASTER PLAN Bob Clifford, TBARTA Executive Director, reviewed a PowerPoint presentation regarding the update of their Master Plan. He noted one of the requirements is to review the update with the MPOs, County Commissions, etc. The Master Plan that was adopted two years ago focused on transit; however, the Plan should look at all modes of transit, looking at goods/freight and not just people. They did community outreaches, including i-town/e-town hall meetings and reached 60,000 people. The comments from Pinellas County residents include the need to have better connections to the airport, continue to expand the existing bus service, whether rail is still an option and could the CSX rail line be utilized, better transit options are needed for the elderly and the disabled, and whether park-n-ride facilities are being considered. He reviewed some of the short-term solutions being considered, as well as other considerations working with some of the partners. Two studies are ongoing regarding the Howard Frankland Bridge to ensure that there is an opportunity for another mode of transportation in the future as that bridge is replaced. Regarding the Alternatives Analysis study, they want to ensure there is connectivity throughout the entire region. XI. CITY OF ST PETERSBURG REQUEST FOR REALLOCATION OF ENHANCEMENT FUNDS Joe Kubicki, St. Petersburg staff, showed the segment of the Skyway Trail that is located from the Pinellas Trail to the Sunshine Skyway Bridge and out to Ft DeSoto Park to St. Pete Beach. The MPO prioritized the project in 2007 and FDOT funded the design. In last year s FDOT Work Program, the project was funded for construction; however, FDOT inadvertently included funding for design work that had been completed. The City notified FDOT of the duplication and they worked with FDOT to develop a plan to return the $801,000 back to the Transportation Enhancement Program for receipt of this year for surplus Enhancement funds to complete the project. The City is requesting removal of the two projects from the Transportation Improvement Program and replace it with this project for $500,000 to complete the missing segment. 6

7 7 The MPO asked if there would be an impact to other projects if the request was approved. Mr. Smith responded no and Mr. Kubicki indicated FDOT determined it would not. Commissioner Welch asked what the plans were for the area south of 26 th Avenue South. Mr. Kubicki responded that it is currently under construction and goes through the Clam Bayou Restoration Project. It will be constructed on the berms of a Southwest Florida Water Management District project in the area that was cleared along the east side of 37 th Street to the Pinellas Bayway then over to U.S. 19, using the traffic signal, then to the Sunshine Skyway or Ft. DeSoto Park. Councilman Polson moved, Commissioner Welch seconded, and motion carried to approve reallocation of funds for this project (Vote 10-0). XII. POLICY FOR FUND BALANCE REPORTING AND GOVERNMENTAL FUND TYPE DEFINITIONS Mr. Smith reported that the MPO s auditor notified MPO staff of a new requirement calling for the development of a policy regarding reporting fund balances and governmental fund type definitions. Staff worked with the auditor to define the fund balance reporting and governmental fund type definitions and is now requesting approval action of the MPO resolution that would adopt the policy and definitions. Upon request by Chairman Eggers, Mr. Sadowsky read the title of MPO Resolution #11-5. Commissioner Brickfield moved and Commissioner Welch seconded, and motion carried to approve MPO Resolution #11-5. XIII. LOCAL COORDINATING BOARD RECOMMENDATIONS A. Annual Operating Report Mr. Smith indicated this is an annual report that is filed with the State Commission for the Transportation Disadvantaged, working with the Local Coordinating Board, which has recommended approval for submittal to the State. Councilman Polson moved, Councilman Danner seconded, and motion carried to approve the Annual Operating Report for submittal to the State. B. Transportation Disadvantaged Service Plan Amendments Mr. Smith indicated that, based on earlier discussions, the Service Plan needs to be amended to reflect the changes approved by the MPO: change of income eligibility guideline from 200% to 150% of the Federal Poverty Level; utilizing a 10-day bus pass as the standard issue pass and 31-day bus pass for people with 10 or more medical appointments per month or who work full-time (defined as 30 hours per week or more); and modification of trip priorities to reflect the changes associated with bus pass eligibility. Following some discussion, Mayor Mischler moved; Commissioner Crozier seconded, and motion carried to approve the Service Plan amendments, with Commissioner Welch casting the dissenting vote (Vote 9-1). C. Medicaid Non-Emergency Transportation (NET) Program Mr. Smith noted there has been considerable discussion by the MPO whether to retain the Medicaid Program or turn it over to the State due to the continuing increased demand for service and reduction of the carryover balance. The Local Coordinating Board reviewed the MPO s July action and the current Medicaid funding situation at their August 16, 2011 meeting and recommended the MPO notify the State of the MPO s intent to terminate the Medicaid Program and turn it over to the State; proceed with a Request for

8 8 Proposals (RFP); and provide for a coordinated function. MPO staff recommends the MPO take action to terminate the program and provide a 90-day notice to the State that the MPO would not continue the program past January 1, 2012; request the State to encourage the selected Medicaid provider to enter a coordination agreement with the MPO to ensure compliance with state quality assurance standards and local requirements; and not pursue a RFP. Following some discussion, Commissioner Seel moved, Councilman Polson seconded, and motion carried to approve the staff recommendation: provide a 90- day notice to the State, request a coordination agreement, and not pursue an RFP process (Vote 10-0). XIV. PROJECT ADVISORY COMMITTEE REPORT Mayor Hibbard indicated the Project Advisory Committee (PAC) met Monday. The Committee has narrowed the field of corridors and has a build alternative and a design alternative, with the intent to pursue the build alternative and have the design alternative as a backup. The Committee reached a consensus on the downtown St. Petersburg area, around Pinellas Park, and the St. Petersburg/Clearwater International Airport. Ms. Ward reviewed the build and design alternatives for each segment, along with the alternatives to be eliminated from further discussion. She noted the Committee deferred the segment around the airport to allow for further review and discussion. Mayor Hibbard informed the Tourist Development Council at their meeting this morning regarding these discussions at the Project Advisory Committee. The Council was unanimous that 49 th Street was not a good idea and that there needs to be a direct connection to the airport. Upon query by Commissioner Brickfield regarding expected ridership to the airport, Ms. Ward responded she would provide that information to him. Mr. Smith noted that it was a lower demand but there might be other strategies that could be considered. Upon query regarding timing of decisions, Mr. Smith responded they are following different steps, with technology being finetuned in October, and costs being reviewed in the November/December timeframe, along with other factors to be considered. It is anticipated he MPO would take action probably in January. There was discussion regarding some of the alignments, who was paying for this study, and the other additional studies that would be required. This study costs $4 million and is being funded through the MPO and PSTA. The next steps would include NEPA study. Mr. Smith indicated an environmental study would be required and they are working with the four agencies (MPO, PSTA, FDOT, TBARTA) and the Federal Transit Administration. Commissioner Crozier encouraged citizens to access the website for the study: pinellasontrack.com and fill out the survey, which is available until September 23. XV. COMMITTEE APPOINTMENTS Commissioner Seel moved, Commissioner Brickfield seconded, and motion carried to approve Robert Longnecker as a Clearwater representative on the Citizens Advisory Committee. Mayor Mischler moved, Commissioner Brickfield seconded, and motion carried to approve Sheila Martin as the TBARTA representative on the BIcycle Advisory Committee.

9 Mayor Mischler moved, Commissioner Crozier seconded, and motion carried to approve Pete Yauch as the County s Traffic Engineering representative and Bill Foster as St. Petersburg s Engineer Department representative on the Technical Coordinating Committee. XVI. PSTA ACTIVITIES Brad Miller, PSTA Executive Director, noted PSTA continues to be involved in the Project Advisory Committee, Alternatives Analysis, TBARTA, and other ongoing activities. Tonight at 6:00 p.m., PSTA will be holding their final public hearing on next year s budget. They are considering changing their funding source. At the PSTA Legislative Committee meeting yesterday, Senator Latvala indicated he had met earlier with HART regarding the possibility of merging PSTA and HART in order to save money and to improve both systems by working together regionally. HART had mixed reactions regarding the proposal and asked a lot of questions and wanted more detailed information. The discussion at the PSTA meeting focused on the fact that the Alternatives Analysis is moving forward and they are discussing the possibility of moving to a new revenue source. They were seeking his support although it doesn t require State action for a referendum only the County s approval. If the referendum for a sales tax is approved to replace the existing property tax, then that would require a legislative amendment to the language for PSTA to eliminate the reference that allows PSTA to levy a millage rate. Senator Latvala indicated his willingness to support such an amendment. Councilman Polson who serves as Chairman of the PSTA Legislative Committee added that Senator Latvala was supportive of changing PSTA s enabling legislation if it was clear that it was subject to a positive vote of a referendum of the County s citizens and, upon the favorable vote, there would be a total replacement of the ad valorem revenue with the sales tax revenue. He wanted to make sure that both revenue sources were not included in the enabling legislation. The PSTA Board still needs to have this discussion and take action for such a proposal to replace the ad valorem tax with a sales tax. According to Senator Latvala, PSTA needs to have this discussion soon because the next Legislative Delegation meeting is later this month. Based upon questions, it was clarified that amending the PSTA Special Act did not require going through the Board of County Commissioners; however, approving a referendum to have the question on the ballot for a transit surtax would require the Board s approval. If the transit surtax is approved by the voters, it would require an agreement with PSTA to receive the funds. Upon further questions, Mr. Miller responded HART had mixed reactions and one of their members developed a nine-page White Paper outlining his concerns of a merger. Senator Latvala indicated his willingness to continue to study the proposal and continue gathering information but he would only pursue the merger if both boards were in agreement with the merger. Mr. Miller continued with the PSTA report, noting there will be a new Central Avenue trolley system that will begin October 2 and will travel from the pier in downtown St. Petersburg along Central Avenue to Pass-A-Grille Beach. There will be a ribbon cutting ceremony. They will be extending the Jolley Trolley service in North County for two years, with Jolley Trolley proposing to keep the rates the same for that period. Indian Rocks Beach Mayor R.B. Johnson s term on PSTA ends October 1. There is discussion that he would stay on the Project Advisory Committee for the Alternatives Analysis until the end of the year when that study is completed. 9

10 Commissioner Brickfield noted that approval of a half-cent sales tax would provide more funding for PSTA than they currently receive. If PSTA were to receive a one-cent sales tax, it would provide enough funding for the operation of PSTA and provide for service that comes out of the Alternatives Analysis study. Mayor Mischler indicated that everyone would help subsidize PSTA with a sales tax instead of only those who currently subsidize PSTA by paying property taxes. Mr. Smith added that a sales tax approval would also broaden the base for PSTA by making it countywide since, currently, there are five communities that are not included in the PSTA service district/tax base. XVII. OTHER BUSINESS A. MPOAC Meeting of July 28, 2011 B. Joint Chairs Coordinating Committee Meeting of July 15, 2011 C Traffic Count Maps D. Correspondence E Other Mr. Smith noted the Pinellas County Legislative Delegation met this morning regarding unifying PSTA and MPO. This was their first hearing and there were no problems noted. XVIII. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 3:05 p.m. Dave Eggers, Chairman h:\users\cendocs\min/ September MPO.ck 10