01/05/2007 - Transportation
.
MEETING MINUTES
TOPIC - TRANSPORTATION
CITY OF CLEARWATER
January 5, 2007
Present: Frank Hibbard
William C. Jonson
Mayor
Councilmember
Also present: Rod Irwin
Paul Bertels
Himanshu Patni
Brenda Moses
Assistant City Manager
Traffic Operations Manager
Engineering Specialist
Board Reporter
The meeting was called to order at 8:00 a.m. at City Hall.
Discussion ensued regarding the PST A (Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority) and
Triangle Development agreement to find a new location for a downtown bus transfer station.
City staff has communicated to PST A its preference for a joint-use building and has had three
meetings with the County and PST A regarding various sites. The City also proposed transit
studies. Staff met with PST A to discuss six locations. PST A's representative said he would not
bring the City, County, and Triangle Development together and if Triangle Development
reaffirms its interest, he would recommend that PST A proceed with the Triangle Development
contract.
.
PSTA's need for additional space was reviewed. It was recommended that the City,
County, and PSTA work together to locate an intermodal site for a guideway system, PMI
(Pinellas Mobility Initiative), CSX, and bus transfer station. The City is interested in how these
issues affect downtown economic development and design. Support was expressed for a joint-
use building for the City and County on the current PST A site and County parking lot. The
City's desire for PSTA participation in an intermodal site planning process was stated.
It was noted that Triangle Development has not approached City planning staff regarding
its plans for the Ice House site on Drew Street. City Traffic Operations and MPO (Metropolitan
Planning Organization) staff have major access issues with the Drew Street site, which is
bisected by CSX railroad tracks. While that site would provide access to the CSX corridor for
future mass transit, it has some natural barriers. CSX is reluctant to permit any activities on its
rights-of-way. Staff has encouraged PSTA to have Triangle Development discuss its
conceptual plans with staff, who wants to work with all parties. Good planning, design, and
project coordination would enhance services and the Downtown.
.
It was suggested that staff draft a letter expressing the City's desire for all parties to work
together, that a City/County site is needed for Downtown economic development, that the City
wants to incorporate PSTA operations on that site or help them locate a site, and a request that
PST A meet with City planning staff to determine if the Ice House site is feasible and meets the
downtown plan. Discussion ensued regarding locations. It was recommended that rail station
parking and the beach station's distance from the beach also be considered when reviewing a
guideway system. It was suggested that the City offer assistance to PSTA should the Triangle
Development agreement fall apart. The Mayor, who will be at the Conference of Mayors, will
not attend the next PSTA meeting on January 24,2007.
Topic - Transportation 2007-01-05
1
. It was stated that PST A is beginning to update their strategic planning process. It was
suggested that the Mayor should represent the City on both the MPO and PST A boards.
Discussion ensued regarding a MPO Clearwater Beach Guideway Study. It was
remarked that station locations would drive ridership. It was recommended that long-term
ridership for each station be considered. A PMI Steering Committee will oversee the Guideway
Study Committee.
It was reported that Equos is trying to free up downtown properties, and currently is
looking at the County's ESB (Environmental Services Building) on Court Street. When it closes,
its staff will move to the County's Public Works Campus on Drew Street. It was stated that
Scientologists want to purchase the building and the County has requested City input.
Discussion ensued with comments that locating a park there would inhibit the site's
redevelopment and that the site should tie into County plans. It was noted the Swisher site,
identified as a future health campus, could be located close to a transit station. It was stated as
the downtown lacks sector plans, challenges to pin down development schemes have occurred.
Council member Jonson reviewed Minneapolis and Salt Lake City transit systems. In
Minneapolis, light rail system was located on the right-of-way of railroad tracks. Salt Lake City
purchased a railroad corridor for their light rail system and has a BRT system where rail cannot
be supported. It was noted that transit systems also help people who continue to use vehicles.
TBRPC (Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council) also holds transit meetings.
.
Concern was expressed that the MPO/US19 Pedestrian Safety Task Force had stated
that Clearwater is responsible for maintaining SR 60 and US19 sidewalks and streetlights.
Concern was expressed that only 22% of the streetlights are in working order, although the
City's contract with FOOT (Florida Department of Transportation) requires 90% of the lights to
work. Staff reported the streetlights, installed in 1975, are difficult to maintain and will be
replaced within two years.
It was suggested that another meeting be scheduled prior to the next PSTA meeting.
The meeting adjourned at 9:32 a.m.
.
Topic - Transportation 2007-01-05
2