09/06/2012 - Topic Transportation
WORK SESSION MINUTES
TOPIC TRANSPORTATION
CITY OF CLEARWATER
September 6, 2012
Present: Bill Jonson Councilmember
Doreen Hock-DiPolito Councilmember
Also present: Jill Silverboard Assistant City Manager
Rod Irwin Assistant City Manager
Paul Bertels Traffic Operations Manager
Himanshu Patni Professional Engineer
Patricia O. Sullivan Board Reporter
The work session was called to order at 9:10 a.m. at City Hall.
1 - Approval of the minutes of 8/6/2012
Minutes not complete.
2 - Roll out of the Clearwater Transit Resolution
Assistant City Manager Jill Silverboard said Clearwater’s Transit Resolution was
distributed to all listed entities. Traffic Operations Manager Paul Bertels said the MPO
(Metropolitan Planning Organization) had opined the resolution will have a serious impact on
other agencies, especially the cost benefit analysis requirement. He thought the resolution was
positive as it will hold people accountable. It was noted that Tampa Bay Business Online had
reported that the City of Clearwater was taking a leadership position on transit. It was stated the
City now should identify the next steps.
3 - Review Transportation Related Activities Calendar from PSTA
Councilmember Hock-DiPolito said early next week she will meet with State Senator
Latvala to discuss PSTA (Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority). Discussion ensued regarding
staff and Councilmember attendance at future transportation meetings. Councilmember Hock-
DiPolito said she would attend the September 28, 2012 TBARTA (Tampa Bay Area Regional
Transportation Authority) meeting and questioned if former Mayor Hibbard had been invited to
provide input.
4 - Jolley Trolley in preliminary discussions with Safety Harbor and Westfield
Shoppingtown for a Trolley Route connecting to the Coastal route in Dunedin
.
It was stated that beach hotels support the ability of beach visitors to access the mall via
public transportation.
5 - ACPT Update
Concerns were expressed the September 10, 2012 ACPT (Advisory Committee for
Pinellas Transportation) agenda does not list project status and the committee provides no
Council - Topic Transportation 2011-09-06 1
accountability for approximately $5 million in expenditures. A copy of ACPT objectives was
requested. It was hoped the City’s resolution will encourage conversation regarding leadership
of future transportation efforts in Pinellas County. It was stated a one page summary of how
proposed transportation projects relate is needed. Councilmember Hock-DiPolito requested
information on other issues of importance prior to the meeting.
Concern was expressed that ACPT leadership could be doing more but is term limited.
Mr. Bertels said the City’s resolution provides a guideline to prepare for the referendum.
Discussion ensued regarding local government leadership, committee membership changes,
and how Clearwater and St. Petersburg term limits have negatively affected the continuity of
leadership. Councilmember Hock-DiPolito will meet with the ACPT Vice-Chair regarding plans
to prepare for the referendum.
6 - PSTA Update
Councilmember Jonson reported the PSTA had continued its discussion regarding a
millage increase. He said if the public transportation referendum fails, PSTA will be $8 million in
the red by 2016, impacting existing service. He expressed concern the first vote on these types
of referendums usually fails.
6.1. Received an update on the Howard Frankland Project from Ming Gau.
The update on future expansion needs of the Howard Frankland Bridge was reviewed.
The Governor supports HOT (High Occupancy Toll) lanes for BRT (Bus Rapid Transit) use.
6.2. 2040 Bus Study - $700K
Ms. Silverboard said a Planning Department representative will schedule to be
interviewed for the 2040 bus study. Concern was expressed regarding the location of transit
points planned for US 19N.
6.3. St. Petersburg amenity plan for Central Avenue PSTA $300K and St. Pete $1.9M
partnership approved.
6.4. Performance and Finance Committee
It was reported the PPC (Pinellas Planning Council) website provides monthly and
bimonthly reports.
6.5. Personnel Committee
Councilmember Jonson provided a draft of his Executive Director Performance
Appraisal, which expresses serious concerns regarding project management.
7 - MPO Update
7.1. Next Meeting September 12, 2012
Staff will provide relevant information prior to the meeting.
Council - Topic Transportation 2011-09-06 2
8 - PPC Update
8.1. Next Meeting September 12
9 - Naming of the Courtney Campbell Trail
Consensus was that the name of the trail on the Courtney Campbell Causeway should
be “The Courtney Campbell Trail:”
10 - Other Business:
None.
11 – Next Meetings –
October 1, November 5, and December 3, 2012 – 9:00 a.m.
12 - Adjourn
The work session adjourned at 10:00 a.m.
Council - Topic Transportation 2011-09-06 3