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03/21/1995 'I .1' '" , ! " . . . . , . j" " ;'~~~.;t" ',! ~,: <;':'::': :>:'<~/:,;V~i,)~ ~,'>~i. ; ",',~ .-"", " " ~~, , 1~' i.:: ; ~ :'. ~ :j , :;~ ~ i.". .,'. '" (" , ... 3 c.~ :; \:.~. ,.'. J:'". !'."" ,', , ' , ' " .~ .". . z:;.,i:~'.': ' ~(/ \\ ., '! . fJLY' .. .. . ~ .. "." ~. f . c ~ l . ~( "1.. .. . ~~. ". - " :.>" .' , .. I " ' 'j . . . < . ~ , " ,...." i. ; , , , , ' , ,~~\ ,; , " , ' " ,. , , . , r . . \ . . ,TOWNMEETING . . < '. . I MINUTES Date't1arch .Z(J . .1'IQ5. . . " , , , , , I ' ,,' , ~ .' , " '" I , I c?.y() ~ ,,' ''J , "I ,.-) 1.""", .,"< t' ::~~ W ~ < . , / TOWN MEETING March 21, 1995 The City commission of the City of Clearwater met at the Memorial civic Center, 40 Causeway Boulevard, Clearwater, Florida; with the following members present: Rita Garvey Fred A. Thomas Richard Fitzgerald Sue A. Berfield Arthur X. Deegan II Mayor/Commissioner Vice-Mayor/Commissioner Commissioner Commissioner Commissioner Also present: Michael R. Dallmann John B. Johnson, Jr. Betty Deptula Richard Baier Mary K. Diana Commissioner Elect Commissioner Elect City Manager City Attorney Assistant City Clerk The meeting was opened at 7:35 p.m. by Mayor Garvey. A short video was presented by Community Outreach which touched on City of Clearwater projects such as the Harborview Center, the new Clearwater Pass Bridge, the Countryside Recreation Center, and the Municipal Services and Public Safety Complex. Richard Baier, City Engineer, gave a presentation regarding the Memorial Causeway Bridge replacement. He noted a contract will be let on May 1st for rehabilitation work. The Memorial Causeway Bridge is the most utilized bridge in the State of Florida and is owned and operated by the Florida Department of Tansportation (FDOT). He discussed proposed signing and traffic patterns during the repair phase. He said traffic plans include making the bridge two lanes at times. He discussed total closure which could be for four weeks from 1:00 a.m. to 6:00 a.m. Mr. Baier indicated a focus group was formed which included representatives from the Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority, Jolley Trolley, Ferry Services, EMS, FDOT, Solid Waste, Morton Plant Hospital and Public Works to compile concerns regarding the repair work. Some of the concerns are as follows: (1) drawbidge openings (FDOT considering limiting the amount of bridge openings and traffic on the bridge); (2) location of a crane to lower the bridge in case of an emergency; (3) only one lane of traffic available in case of an accident; (4) sufficient and advance warning of project; and (5) a hurricane plan during the repair stage. mintwn03.95 1 3/21/95 /\': .... :}", :i:::: r:;;:. '. :/; < <>>: .. .. ..' ':~' ; '. : '..' ': '. " u " " ", ',', ,:: : . .'.':::> ):>:,; ': :. ',:<;"i,',.: '",: ::,:' .>'>;> :'i":' .......{ t!lt Y CMt,~ Ft ,tt. ....0.:... .~ :~J ~, '0 Chief Davidson responded that Bayflight will be working with the City to pro~ide emergency helicopter services and there will be an increase in the number of fire personnel on hand. A citizen suggested erecting additional biking facilities. A question was raised why spend $2 million repairing an old, antiquated bridge. A recommendation was made to build a new bridge while the old one can still be used. A question was raised as to a funding source for the bridge. Mr. Baier responded the City is looking at various options. A question was raised if the current traffic problem would be improved with the repair of the bridge. Mr. Baier indicated the City will be working with FDOT to see what can.be done. He noted a workshop regarding the feasibility of replacing the Memorial Causeway Bridge will be held on March 29, 1995 at 4:15 p.m. to 8:15 p.m. at the Memorial Civic Center. Pat Wolfe questioned how traffic would be affected. Mr. Baier indicated the traffic light at the bayfront would be removed and traffic coming from and going to the beach would be rerouted by way of Court Street. He noted Pierce Street could also be used. Sarah Zalewski expressed concern regarding pedestrians. Mr. Baier indicated a temporary signal will be installed at pierce Boulevard. A citizen expressed concern in closing down the bridge in order to repair it. She spoke in support of constructing a new bridge keeping the beach open as this takes places. Mr. Baier responded obtaining approvals and permits to construct a new bridge could take app~oximately 5-6 years. He noted with a few minor repairs, the Memorial Causeway Bridge could remain structurally sound and safe for 8-10 years. Mayor Garvey indicated a new bridge will take a long time to construct indicating a decision needs to be reached whether to try and work with FDOT to construct a new bridge. She noted the bridge will not be completely closed for the repair stage, only during designated hours. Mr. Baier pointed out the beach merchants favored restricting traffic on the bridge over complete closure. He noted all options are being considered. Bill Sikes felt the $2 million from the state should be used to build a new bridge. It as indicated this money could only be used for repairs. mintwn03.95 2 3/21/95 ...... ..-...t..h~~.,r..VI'~_'-"~~"""_l':ll~.ilIo..l.I..I,~~ ~..i, ~.. . l" , ..,. . . . : '.. .. . ., . . .' . . ~ . ~ o o J;' .1 Bill Weld suggested redirecting boat traffic, opening Dunedin Pass and using a pontoon bridge during the repairs. Rich Baier said the opening of Dunedin Pass had been reviewed; howev,er, approvals of various state agencies are required. Mayor Garvey pointed out the consensus of the commission was not to open Dunedin Pass. She recommended leaving the decision regarding boat traffic to the Coast Guard. Another citizen spoke in support of a new bridge indicating a new one will have to be built. sooner or later. A question was raised why obtaining bridge permits require 5 years. Mr. Baier responded this is due to environmental and design concerns. Mayor Garvey indicated the Commission favors pursuing the option of building a new bridge. , Commissioner Thomas noted the Memorial Causeway Bridge is owned by the state. He questioned if those in attendance would be willing to pay a toll if a new bridge was built. About one- half of the attendees, with a show of hands, indicated they would. Ken Rosenow noted tourist revenue is down. He felt businesses on the beach would not survive the proposed plan to restrict access across the Memorial Causeway bridge. He suggested requesting funds from the Tourist Development Council. He thought funds could be raised from various sources. He felt construction of a new bridge could be done in less than 5 years. Chuck Connor contended if the bridge is built, the money would come. A citizen suggested issuing bonds paid for by charging tolls. A citizen questioned whether DOT could be persuaded to build a new bridge. A citizen suggested issuing stickers to allow residents to cross the bridge free. Tourists would pay tolls. A question was raised regarding how long staff felt the Sand Key Bridge would need to be completely closed. Mr. Baier responded approximately 8-9 weeks. It was questioned whether work on both bridges would be done at the same time. It was indicated it was hoped the Sand Key Bridge could be finished before starting on the Memorial Causeway Bridge. Anne Garris thanked the commission for their accomplishments in the last year which included the new recreation center, new mintwn03.95 3 3/21/95 ) ':) {;':.} y Pier 60, and the remodeled marina. She complimented the commission on appointing the best city manager in 25 years and in hiring an excellent city attorney. She remarked favorably regarding the new department store and proposed conference center in the downtown, the expanded Jolley Trolley service, the streetscapes on the beach, a state-of-the-art code enforcement plan, preliminary plans for improving the water supply and parking on Cleveland ,Street. She noted this was all done without increasing taxes. A citizen expressed concern regarding the impact a proposed high-rise development in the downtown would have on City services and resources. It was questioned how much the developer would pay in impact fees. A request was made for the commission to carefully consider this proposal. A citizen stated the traffic congestion on the beach is detrimental to the businesses., He said there is a need for warning lights far enough in advance of the beach indicating when beach parking lots are full. He said he had requested assistance before. The Mayor indicated staff has been meeting regarding this issue. There was discussion regarding business on the beach being down in the last year. Only one person in attendance indicated his business was up. A citizen expressed concern if the Memorial' Causeway is down to two lanes, people will not come to the beach. She asked that the plans for Pier 60 not include the removal of the palm trees as they helped to prevent sand from blowing. She indicated she had written a letter to the commission. The Mayor responded this issue will be coming up on the agenda. This citizen also thanked the commission for not approving a 900-foot tower on the beach. Kathy Conic said she hoped the City was moving forward on replacing the pool in the area of Pier 60. Beverlv DesRoches expressed concern regarding beach accessways being covered with sand on the north beach. She questioned who was responsible for their maintenance. The Mayor indicated staff would check and respond. There was some discussion regarding the area along poinsettia and East Shore, CRA taxing district and condemnation. The meeting adjourned at 8:47 p.m. mintwn03.95 4 3/21/95 , , ,,::: ~::\ " i; . . '. ~; ~ . . . '.' "', :; .':. '~/.?':: i . ..d :..:,: :.:/":.< ',. ;,' i.... ~:;", );:,(~i"':' :0::/:;/: ;:..;:X..; _~~u...~....",~ , ,. I.