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04/19/1999 - Briefing SessionBRIEFING SESSION - CITY COMMISSION CITY OF CLEARWATER April 19, 1999 Present: Brian J. Aungst Mayor/Commissioner Ed Hooper Vice-Mayor/Commissioner J. B. Johnson Commissioner Robert Clark Commissioner Ed Hart Commissioner Also Present: Michael J. Roberto City Manager Richard L. Hedrick Deputy City Manager Bob Keller Assistant City Manager Keith Ashby Chief of Staff Cyndie Goudeau City Clerk Rich Baier Public Works Administrator Brenda Moses Board Reporter The City Manager called the meeting to order at 10:02 a.m. at the Martin Luther King Center. Welcome and Introduction The City Manager said this is the third opportunity to review current and planned City projects. Deputy City Manager Rick Hedrick reviewed the agenda, stating today’s primary focus is Gulf-to-Bay Boulevard projects and attendee feedback. Current Major Projects Public Works Administrator Rich Baier reviewed major projects related to One City. One Future., including the new bridge and Main Library. He said upgrading the Gulf-to-Bay Boulevard corridor and constructing the new bridge and related roadways are priorities. The new bridge will improve traffic flow, public safety, and emergency evacuation, and be aesthetically pleasing and structurally functional. In response to a question, he said the Coast Guard required the bridge’s minimum height to be 74 feet. Other designs had been considered. More than 30 meetings with community, civic, and other local interest groups were held. He reviewed project funding sources and debt costs. Bridge design issues related to aesthetics will be brought to the Commission this summer. Staff anticipates the bridge’s final design will be completed in July 2000; right-of-way acquisition in July 2001; and construction completed in 2002. Unlike the Clearwater Pass Bridge, this span will have upscale lighting and landscaping will be incorporated. Decorative railings will not block water views. Fort Harrison/Myrtle Avenue True One-Way Pair It was stated the Commission has not approved this project and little public input has occurred. Mr. Baier will schedule a presentation to the Commission. Staff has presented this proposal to the Downtown Merchants Association and DDB (Downtown Development Board). He reviewed benefits of asymmetrical one-way pairs and true one-way pairs. Study results will be brought to the Commission. Mr. Baier said lane widths on Fort Harrison Avenue are insufficient to handle north-south trucking needs. Sight distance and safety problems restrict left-hand turns at many intersecting streets. It was remarked large trucks damage sidewalks when making difficult turns. The City Manager said the future design of Fort Harrison and Myrtle avenues will affect downtown redevelopment opportunities. Traffic needs during the next ten years need addressing. Charlie Siemon, of Siemon, Larsen & Marsh, reviewed the one-way pair on Court and Chestnut Streets. He felt a north-south circulation system is vital to downtown. He recommended some right-of-way be recaptured at the intersection of Fort Harrison Avenue and Cleveland Street and redefine it as a local attractive street to turn around the area. He said Fort Harrison should remain a two-way street if retail is desired. He suggested Myrtle Avenue could carry traffic volume on its four-lanes efficiently, and provide motorists a reason to traverse Cleveland Street. Assistant City Manager Bob Keller said it is critical to determine a vision for downtown and design a vehicular route from the bridge into the downtown core. Slowing traffic could help downtown’s rejuvenation. He suggested Fort Harrison Avenue be considered a local road, Myrtle Avenue a through road used to funnel traffic downtown off Court and Chestnut Streets. It was noted FDOT (Florida Department of Transportation) will resurface Fort Harrison Avenue within 18 months. It was suggested its State Road designation could be eliminated prior to the resurfacing project. It was suggested the designation of Alternate 19 (Fort Harrison Avenue) could be changed. Mr. Siemon hoped some policy decisions will be made within the next few months. He will present his recommended strategy for downtown on May 17, 1999. In response to a suggestion, he said reversible lanes have worked well elsewhere. It was noted the road networks are interrelated to an integrated plan. In response to a question, Mr. Baier said FDOT will be consulted regarding any changes related to Fort Harrison Avenue. Town Pond Mr. Baier reviewed the expansion of the town pond to just over 4 acres. The pond will solve the majority of downtown drainage issues and foster economic development. Property acquisition will be necessary. A private development incentive is necessary for the pond’s success. It was noted the construction costs increase the longer the project is delayed. The City will apply for grants to fund a portion of the project. Pond audit results will be presented to the Commission in June. Main Library Mr. Baier said a presentation of a master plan for the new main library will be scheduled. The $12 million, in Penny for Pinellas funds originally allocated for the library, is not enough to construct a 90,000 square-foot facility. The project’s timeline is May 17, 1999 through 2002. Projects and Planning Richard Gehring, of Prime Interests, reviewed planned projects: 1) Clearwater Harbor; 2) marina; 3) street network; 4) south Gulfview; 5) Pier 60 Park expansion; 6) Cleveland Street; 7) bluff project; 8) Phillies’ Stadium; 9) recreation center; 10) Cherry Harris Park; 11) North Greenwood corridor concept; 12) police substation; and 13) government services complex expansion. He said beach parking also is planned. The City Manager said over time, each project piece will be integrated. Projects will not be done all at once but need to be planned, designed, permitted, and funded. Failure to plan will affect other projects. Mr. Siemon said even if the private sector can generate revenues for projects, the City must act as facilitator for them to succeed. Gulf to Bay Boulevard Project Overview and Critical Issues Mr. Baier said the pilot project on Gulf-to-Bay Boulevard extends from US 19N to Old Coachman Road. Gulf-to-Bay Boulevard is a constrained corridor and major artery. He reviewed Gulf-to-Bay Boulevard development goals: 1) address traffic issues; 2) enhance aesthetics including mast arms, light poles, etc.; 3) consider land uses; 4) estimated completion of Phase 1 and Phase 2; 5) costs of pilot and total project; and 6) funding alternatives. In response to a question, Mr. Baier said FDOT objective is to move large quantities of traffic quickly through the corridor on signed 10-lane roads. FDOT is not enthusiastic about landscaping. It was remarked the project’s concept has changed from corridor beautification to an involved redevelopment plan. In response to a question, the City Manager said median and right-of-way landscaping will be tied to future redevelopment, a 20-year process. No constituency group supports this project although it will impact more residents than almost any other project. Mr. Baier said during the next few months, the Commission will consider approval of the Gulf-to-Bay Boulevard design. It was noted to succeed, this project must be a private/public partnership. Adjournment The meeting adjourned at 12:11 p.m.