11/19/2012 - Topic Transportation
WORK SESSION MINUTES
TOPIC TRANSPORTATION
CITY OF CLEARWATER
November 19, 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
Patricia O. Sullivan Board Reporter
The work session was called to order at 9:10 a.m. at City Hall.
2 – Mica Trip to Miami
Representative John Mica’s Miami fact-finding trip regarding transportation issues was
discussed.
3 - Roll out of the Clearwater Transit Resolution
Assistant City Manager Jill Silverboard said staff reached out to Pinellas County and
local municipality staff regarding Clearwater’s Transit Resolution. Traffic Operations Manager
Paul Bertels said the cost benefit review had been done. MPO (Metropolitan Planning
Organization) and County staff are reticent to make commitments without direction from elected
officials. Councilmember Jonson will discuss the resolution with Bob Clifford of TBARTA
(Tampa Bay Area Regional Transportation Authority). Assistant City Manager Rod Irwin
expressed concern that to date, Morton Plant Hospital management has offered no support on
transportation issues. It was recommended that the City Manager be requested to address this
with the Morton Plant Hospital board.
Mr. Irwin said beach hoteliers are interested in participating in a Tampa Airport Master
Plan survey regarding transportation.
4 - ACPT (Advisory Committee for Pinellas Transportation) Update
It was expected ACPT (Advisory Committee for Pinellas Transportation) will take action
regarding Clearwater’s Transit Resolution at their next meeting. It was stated that the
committee’s vision needs clarification. Concern was expressed current maps and data need
correction. The importance of involvement by more municipal elected officials was stated.
5 - PSTA Update
The consultant has been advised regarding Clearwater’s concerns that the SR60 bus
connection was not included in the PSTA (Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority) development
plan’s final version. Work on the PSTA 2040 plan is underway. Future PSTA funding is a
concern. A PSTA ridership survey is underway to consider smaller vehicles along some routes.
A phone app is planned for real time schedule status.
Council - Topic Transportation 2011-11-19 1
It is estimated that merging PSTA and HART will save $2.4 million annually based on
management reduction. Copies of HART and PSTA balance sheets were requested. A merger
would require approval by Hillsborough and Pinellas counties, State legislation, and
renegotiation of union contracts. The merger study does not discuss benefits for regional
planning. Comments were made that HART opposes the merger and a representative from
each county is needed to lead merger efforts.
6 - MPO Update
and
7 – PPC Update
Mr. Bertels said he did not have an update on the project to widen Sunset Point Road
and construct sidewalks between Keene and Alternate 19.
Mr. Bertels said MPO staff is in a quandary without an executive director and uncertainty
regarding the planned merger with PPC (Pinellas Planning Council).
Ms. Silverboard said a steering committee is considering locations for countywide light
rail stations. The importance of consistency in naming stations was stated. The referendum on
transportation issues is projected to occur in 2015 or 2016, however a timeline has not been
determined. Scott Pringle requested the City identify Clearwater stakeholders who want to
engage in the process. Suggested contacts included Carlton Fields, Susan Englanger, Sun
County Cleaners, the DDB (Downtown Development Board), Regions Bank, KRUM, Morton
Plant Hospital, and the Clearwater Regional Chamber of Commerce. A response needs to be
coordinated confirming the City’s outreach process and plans for station area charrettes.
Concerns were expressed that the turnover of elected officials on the MPO and ACPT
negatively impacts progress on transportation issues as priorities constantly change. It was
stated a regional strategy and overall vision is important to the process.
8 – Other Business
Mr. Bertels said staff will review concerns regarding uneven gaps between street lights
on Gulf-to-Bay Boulevard.
9 - Next Transportation subcommittee meeting
The next Topic Transportation work session is scheduled for December 20, 2012, at
9:00 a.m.
10 - Adjourn
The work session adjourned at 10:45 a.m.
Council - Topic Transportation 2011-11-19 2