10/01/2012 - Topic Transportation
WORK SESSION MINUTES
TOPIC TRANSPORTATION
CITY OF CLEARWATER
October 1, 2012
Present: Bill Jonson Councilmember
Doreen Hock-DiPolito Councilmember
Also present: Jill Silverboard Assistant City Manager
Rod Irwin Assistant City Manager
Himanshu Patni Professional Engineer
Patricia O. Sullivan Board Reporter
The work session was called to order at 9:12 a.m. at City Hall.
2 - Review Transportation Related Activities Calendar from PSTA
The PSTA (Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority) calendar was reviewed.
3 - Roll out of the Clearwater Transit Resolution
It was stated the transit resolution needs to be kept active and alive, with the process
moving forward more quickly and more people engaged.
Staff expressed concern regarding the lack of engagement by Morton Plant Hospital
leadership for a light rail station. Councilmember Hock-DiPolito will speak with Holly Duncan.
Discussion ensued regarding resolution recipients; the resolution did not define City
expectations for a response. Staff will send through staff channels cover letters and copies of
the resolution to cities and organizations with a stake in transit and will work to engender a
response, especially from Largo. Councilmember Jonson will address the issue with TBARTA
(Tampa Bay Area Regional Transportation Authority) Chair Ronnie Duncan. Staff will schedule
Councilmember Hock-DiPolito to address the IT Committee regarding the resolution.
4 - ACPT (Advisory Committee for Pinellas Transportation) Update
Discussion ensued regarding a public/private partnership developing rail service
between Miami and Jacksonville, the need to attract to the City modern people who prefer using
public transportation, and how Denver succeeded in achieving voter support for public
transportation.
Concerns were expressed that ACPT does not seem to have a sense of urgency; efforts
have been focused on Pinellas County while regional transportation priorities are important.
Public transportation projects need to be integrated to avoid public confusion. Public support
should be garnered now rather than focusing on technical minutia. TBRPC (Tampa Bay
Regional Planning Council) has a “One Bay” focus, but is struggling after loss of funding. It was
recommended that transit information be presented to businesses and business groups and the
media be contacted for interviews. It was suggested the City coordinate its message with
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PSTA’s branding consultant. Councilmember Hock-DiPolito will speak with County
Commissioner Karen Seel about championing a countywide effort, as much is at stake.
5 - Key points from “”
Thinking Outside the Farebox Conference
The meeting was discussed with concern expressed that financing and public private
partnerships were not discussed nor was an overall strategy provided.
6 - PSTA Update
State Senator Latvala’s support for merging PSTA and HART (Hillsborough Area
Regional Transit) to consolidate administrative and executive functions was discussed. He
recommended the referendum include a funding solution and be considered at the same time by
voters on both sides of the bay, and encouraged the City to work closely with Largo. It was
stated that Brad Miller had expressed willingness to coordinate pieces of a public transportation
proposal but did not want to be its public voice.
Discussion ensued regarding bus stops on US 19N and FDOT (Florida Department of
Transportation) input.
7 - MPO Update
and
8 – PPC Update
Discussion ensued regarding efforts to merge PPC (Pinellas Planning Council) and MPO
(Metropolitan Planning Organization); it was recommended that the meetings be integrated.
9 - Courtney Campbell Scenic Highway
The committee approved the name “Courtney Campbell Trail”; the name requires
approval by other agencies, including the City.
FDOT will not finance trail amenities; trail curbing is planned. Shade shelters were
recommended and water stations were discussed. Staff will verify if City trails have water
stations. Staff expressed concerns regarding City maintenance costs for the new trail.
10 - Other Business
Discussion ensued regarding the importance of Morton Plant engagement to regional
economic development and light rail proposals and the need to ensure TBRPC is involved in all
regional transportation planning efforts, including transit.
11 - Next Transportation subcommittee meetings at 9:00 a.m. on: 11/19, and 12/3
Consensus was to reschedule the November 5 meeting to November 19, 2012.
Include on 11/19 agenda:
Coordinating a regional effort
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12 - Adjourn
The work session adjourned at 10:07 a.m.
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