09/25/1990 - Clearwater Beach Blue Ribbon Task Force
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MINUTES
CLEARWATER BEACH BLUE RIBBON TASK FORCE
SEPTEMBER 25, 1990
Members Present:
Chairman Deegan, Ms. Garris, and Messrs. Doran, Fowler, Gans,
Henderson, Homer, Keyes, Little, Martin, McDougall, Rosenow, Seaton
and Wellborn
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Members Excused:
Ms. Tiernan
Also Present:
Sue Berfield, City Commissioner; James M. Polatty, Jr., Director of
Planning and Development; and John Blakely, Attorney at law
The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by Chairman Deegan in the Boardroom of the Sea
Stone Resort.
A motion was made by John Doran, and seconded by Stephen Fowler, to approve the minutes from
the September 5, 1990 meeting. Motion carried unanimously.
The Chairman gave the following information update:
1. A total of 155 residents had replied to the resident survey and he had mailed a copy
of his summary to the members prior to the meeting.
2.
He read a letter which he had drafted to the City Manager at the request of a few
members of the task force. The letter basically covered two points: 1) that the task
force had not taken an official stand on anything yet as they were withholding final
judgment on any issues until they had an opportunity to analyze everything that has
been identified; and 2) that the task force was insulted by the statement they were
an extra in the budget when they were actually saving the City money by volunteering
time to research projects the City was planning to do anyway. He also stated in the
letter that no one is able to say what the task force is going to recommend and further
pleaded for a spirit of cooperation between members of the task force and city staff.
3. He would be giving the Beach Views periodic reports for the people of Clearwater.
This would enable the task force to let the people know what they would be bringing
before them at the town meetings they would be planning.
4. He had talked with Anne Stefan and Steven Cooke and they had agreed on a general
format for the Focus Groups for Beautification. He stated they would be meeting
further with Gordon McDougall.
5. He had received further information from the City Planning Division and handed out
the following: 1) land Use Area Analysis; 2) Sector Analysis (updated Sheet 2 with
single family valuations shown) Note: the word Hotel should be deleted from the
Predominant land Use column; 3) Non-Conforming Right-of-Way Parking, and 3)
Structural Condition Inventory (updated sheet 3 only). These documents will be kept
in the task force document binder. The City had also returned three large maps of
Clearwater Beach for use by the various subcommittees, which will be stored in Don
Seaton's office at the Sea Stone Resort. Mr. Little stated he also has a map which
could be used.
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Issue Two:TrafficfTransDortation/Cruisina was presented by the subcommittee. David Little
introduced John Blakely as a member of the subcommittee who had worked with Ken Rosenow, Otto
Gans and himself. Mr. Little stated the No.1 problem on the beach was traffic and parking and that
their subcommittee had an enormous task in sorting through some 20 issues, which were narrowed
down to four major subjects--Cruising, Mass Transit, Parking and Traffic Configurations. He stated
the subcommittee represented 70 years of daily driving experience on the beach and they had lived
on the beach from 12 and 20 years. Mr. Little stated that input from residents, City staff and local
associations working on traffic problems over the years had also been included in their report.
CRUISING - John Blakely
Mr. Blakely stated that according to the survey results, cruising is viewed to be the No. 1 problem
on Clearwater Beach, but it is not unique to this community. Ken Rosenow showed a video supplied
by the Clearwater Police Department of cruising on Clearwater Beach and contrasted that with a
video received from the Police Department of Modesto, CA, showing cruising at its peak there. The
Modesto video showed many arrests being made due to alcohol, drugs and flaring tempers resulting
in violent confrontations. A Modesto policeman in the video stated that intimidating gangs were
among the cruisers and were armed with guns, knives and tire irons. Mr. Blakely stated that
residents, business people and tourists all would like to eliminate cruising and that a possible solution
would be to adopt an anti-cruising ordinance. He stated Modesto, and other communities in California
and elsewhere, had done this with positive results. He felt we should benefit from their experience.
Mr. Blakely stated in Modesto approximately 500 people had protested the ordinance and it was
adopted by the City Commission by a unanimous vote of 7-0. Public safety was the primary reason
it passed, as emergency vehicles could not get through the congested roadways. Mr. Blakely said
that the York, PA cruising ordinance had been challenged on the basis of privileges granted by the
Bill of Rights; however, the Federal Court there ruled the U.S. Constitution does not prohibit anti-
cruising ordinances. Unless the U.S. Supreme Court would reverse that decision, he felt the City of
Clearwater had the green light to go forward. Mr. Blakely thought there may be a requirement for
the State to enact a statute authorizing the City to adopt an ordinance to prohibit cruising, as the
State generally retained jurisdiction over laws that govern traffic. He stated members of the
subcommittee did not foresee any opposition from the Department of Transportation. He further
stated that other cities had passed anti-loitering ordinances in conjunction with the anti-cruising
ordinances, but the subcommittee did not recommend this for Clearwater Beach at least for the time
being.
Mr. Blakely went on to outline how the anti-cruising ordinances had been put into effect as follows:
1 . After the ordinance is adopted, an anti-cruising zone is determined and signs are
erected stating that cruising is prohibited.
2 The law provides if you pass a check point more than twice in a 2 - 4 hour interval,
you have violated the ordinance, and you may be ticketed. The first time through is
reported, the second time a warning is issued and the third time through a ticket is
given. The fine for a first offense is $100 with subsequent offenses being $250 to
$300.
3. The ordinance can be in effect all the time, as in York, PA, or it can come into effect
at certain times, as in the State of California. If it is in effect during certain times,
the police officers determine there is congestion when: a) traffic can move no faster
than 5 mph; b) it takes more than 2 cycles of the traffic light to get through the
intersection; or c) it takes 5 min. to get 100 yards up to the traffic light.
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September 25, 1990
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In California, Mr. Blakely stated the ordinances were directed to the person and not the vehicle
making it necessary to have police officers take down the names of drivers and passengers at check
points. He felt the task force may want to consider having the ordinance directed to the vehicles as
this might be easier to enforce through the use of video cameras. He further stated the other cities
were not tourist oriented and we did not want to be so intrusive that we would give the impression
of a police state.
Mr. Blakely informed the group that to date Modesto has never had to enforce their anti-cruising
ordinance. He stated they did a good job of advertising it and officers had visited all high schools
to explain the ordinance. Mr. Blakely stated some cities had to enforce their ordinances for only a
month or two. He said the subcommittee felt that the passing of the ordinance itself might cure the
cruising problem, and if not, a brief period of enforcement would cure it. The subcommittee had not
researched the cost of enforcing such an ordinance, but believed it would be considerably less than
the amount now spent in handling traffic problems on weekends and evenings. Mr. Blakely concluded
his presentation by stating the subcommittee unanimously recommended to the task force that the
task force recommend to the city the adoption of an anti-cruising ordinance.
In discussion some difference of opinion was expressed as to whether or not the closing of the
parking lots contributed to cruising, and if cruising were curtailed whether or not some alternative
needed to be provided. Mr. Little expressed the hope the cruising ordinance could be put into effect
before any trouble developed with gangs as in Modesto. John Homer stated that some years back
motorcycle gangs had come from Tampa but had been dealt with swiftly by Chief Daniels through
police intervention. Mr. Homer further expressed that the residents of Clearwater Beach should have
the right to use the beach as a recreational source.
The task force agreed to the concept of a cruising ordinance.
MASS TRANSIT - Ken Rosenow
Mr. Rosenow presented the subcomittee's report on mass transit which is on file in the task force
document book. Slides were also presented showing mass transit used at Disney World's Magic
Kingdom and Epcot Center. It was noted that the monorail was far too costly to be considered, but
the tram system would be feasible for use from the Mainland to the Beach. Mr. Little stated if the
route was confined as much as possible to the City right-of-way, it would not get caught in traffic.
The subcommittee submitted the following recommendations to the task force:
1 . A tram from the Mainland to the Beach with safety requirements.
2. Attractive, comfortable, informative mass transit terminal on the Mainland adjacent or near
existing City parking facilities which are underutilized.
3. Tram route direct and efficient to the Beach.
4. Maintain trolley system and expand service and number of trollevs to Island Estates and Sand
Key with attractive stopping areas.
5. Maintain ferry service to and about the island. Expand on demand.
In discussion some concern was expressed about duplicate transportation systems with the use of
the trolleys and tram, and also the need to switch from one to the other when going to Island
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September 25, 1990
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Estates. It was stated the tram would have to come in two phases--first from the Mainland to the
Beach as quickly as possible, and then to the North Beach. Mr. Keyes reported Volkswagen has
developed a very efficient tram.
The task force tentatively approved the above recommendations with the underlined addition to
No.4.
PARKING - Otto Gans
Mr. Gans presented the subcommittee's report on parking, which is on file in the task force document
book.
The subcommittee submitted the following recommendations to the task force:
1. Convert larger off-street metered parking areas to attendant parking. Gulfview (551 spaces)
Peer 60 (258), Marina (246), Rockaway (156). Open from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. (Midnight on
Friday and Saturday).
2. Retain meters at smaller lots but lease parking rights after 6 p.m. to private enterprise. Civic
Center (62), Bay Esplanade (84), Avalon/Kendall (56), Mandalay/Poinsettia (2 lots - 58
spaces) .
3. Create parking entrances and exits at 3rd and 5th Sts. (Gulfview) and eliminate entrance at
Adams Mark.
4.
Condemn area between Marianne St. North to Baymont and Poinsettia East to the Bay.
Private enterDrise to construct a well landscaped, low profile parking garage and harborside
development with a boardwalk, restaurants, and specialty shops - with over-head cross walks
leaving widened Poinsettia St. and East Shore Drive open to one-way traffic.
5. Prohibit any additional parking on the causeway.
6. Eliminate street parking meters on So. Gulfview Blvd.
In discussion the following points were made: 1) the garage would take away from the tram concept;
2) parking spaces on the beach should be at a premium as an incentive to use the tram; 3) manning
parking lots in some areas may not be financially feasible and that exit fees might be better; and 4)
employee parking cards could be given out and that motel owners should have some system for their
guest parking. Mr. Blakely mentioned that Monterey, CA has experienced success in using a large
parking garage for that community.
The task force tentatively approved the above recommendations with the deletion of the words
underlined in No. 4 and No.6.
TRAFFIC FLOW AND CONFIGURATION - David R. Little
Mr. Little presented the subcomittee's report on traffic flow and configuration which is on file in the
task force document book. He also showed slides of the streets and the suggested tram route while
Mr. Blakely explained the traffic patterns with the use of the slides and the large map.
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The subcommittee submitted the following recommendations to the task force:
1 . Create Resort Zones with restricted traffic flow 1 5 mph for automobiles, where pedestrian
traffic is favored with numerous crosswalks on 1) Mandalay Ave. (Marianne St. north to
Baymont) and 2) So. Gulfview Blvd. (Pier 60 south to Hamden) this separates conflicting uses,
beach users and tourists from through traffic.
Intermediate olan: Mandalay Ave. one-way traffic North (two lanes) with 15 mph limit,
pedestrian favored with numerous cross walks.
Alternate olan vear 2001: Mandalay Ave. Pedestrian traffic only, no vehicles except limited
freight service.
2. One-Wav Streets: To expedite resident commuter traffic that would get favored turn and
traffic light priority separate from tourist and beach users in the Resort Zones.
North Beach: East Shore Drive: One way north to Baymont (2 lanes wide); Poinsettia Street:
One-way South (2 lanes) Baymont to Causeway Blvd.
3. Eliminate the cross over traffic Iiaht at Pier 60 and Causeway Blvd. for North Beach traffic
and create a North Beach lane across the Civic Center lot to connect with East Shore Drive.
4. South Beach: Coronado Drive: One-way South bound from First Street to Hamden (2 lanes);
So. Gulfview: One-way around So. side of Pier 60 lot to First St. only (3 lanes). Two-way
thereafter to Hamden Drive with center option turn lane and entrance/stacking lane to So.
Gulfview parking lots.
5. Eliminate the traffic liaht at Coronado and Gulfview by the Pier 60 lot to allow smooth flow
of north and south through traffic.
6.
At Pier 60 lot create an Entrance Gate to the public beach and parking lots with three one-
way lanes south clearly marked overhead, "Public Beach", "Parking Lots", "Resort District".
7. Numerous oedestrian crosswalks designated and clearly marked along So. Gulfview and
Mandalay Ave. Pedestrian traffic would have priority over all vehicular traffic except
emergency vehicles.
8. Bike oaths designated and clearly marked on road ways to least five feet in width.
* Sand Key to the Memorial Causeway along South Gulfview and Hamden
* North Beach to the Memorial Causeway on Mandalay and East Shore Dr.
* Memorial Causeway to connect to Coachman Park and the Pinellas Trails to become
a Beach loop.
9. Sidewalks: Where there are presently no sidewalks we urgently recommend installation on
East side of Hamden and Coronado Drives. Gulfview Blvd. So.: Eliminate the west sidewalk
for: tram route, parking entrance/stacking lane. Improve the remaining East sidewalk to 10'
as per streetscape.
10. Causewav Toll: The City should take back from the State DOT control of State Road 60 from
Island Way to Pier 60 to allow for the implementation of a toll charge to defray costs to
Clearwater taxpayers to provide and properly maintain the Public Beach and Streets for Bay
Area and Tourist use. Clearwater taxpayers would be exempt by display of a decal permit.
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11.
Memorial Causewav Bridae ODenina: During peak traffic periods (Holidays, Spring Break)
Commercial Charter Boats would be requested not to request the opening of the drawbridge
to prevent traffic congestion, gridlock, air pollution and consumption of energy. This could
be implemented by public request, lease stipulation for Clearwater Marina tenants, and sign
posted at Bridge.
12.
Directional Sians: Overhead directional signs using the designations NORTH BEACH or SOUTH
BEACH with arrows at :
· Entrance to Clearwater Beach on Marianne St., "North Beach" Parking right turn arrow.
"South Beach" Parking, Sand Key Left Lane.
Pier 60 Gateway entrance to Public Beach over three lanes "South Beach", Parking
So. Gulfview and Hamden: Through/Mainland Traffic right turn arrow. Public Beach,
Parking straight ahead arrow.
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In discussion the task force members were divided on the issue of having a Causeway toll. Some
members felt it would kill business while others felt it would further the use of the tram system. It
was felt that much of what was discussed would be prohibitive unless some change in the bridge
opening could be effected--perhaps reducing the number of openings during the 4-6 p.m. time frame.
Phil Henderson stated at one time Lt. Palombo had requested that charter boats not go through the
bridge during spring break. Mr. Henderson made a study of the bridge openings for a full month at
that time and determined that only twice was the draw bridge opened just for the charter boat. Mr.
Keyes thought something should be worked out with the Army Corps of Engineers to put the city in
control of the bridge tenders and cited an incident of being able to stop a criminal by calling the
bridge tender and having the drawbridge opened.
The task force tentatively approved recommendations Nos. 1 - 8 and 12, approved No.9 with the
deletion of specific references to the east or west side of the streets, and carried over Nos. 10 and
11 for further consideration.
At 9:00 p.m. the Chairman asked the task force to continue with their discussion of the
subcommittee's report and to consider each recommendation before adjourning the meeting. There
was some discussion as to voting on the four sections rather than item by item, but the Chairman
reminded the task force they had established the procedure of consensus without having to take a
formal vote. The Chairman also stated that all recommendations were only tentatively approved and
they would again be considered after all the subcommittee reports had been received.
The Chairman thanked the subcommittee for all the work they had put into their report stating it was
an excellent presentation.
The next meeting of the task force will be held on October 17, 1990, at 7:00 p.m. at the Sea Stone
Resort with the subcommittee for Environment/Pollution giving their report.
The Chairman adjourned the meeting at 10:00 p.m.
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Arthur X. Deegan, II, Chairma
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September 25, 1990