04/20/1989 CITY COMMISSION SPECIAL WORK SESSION
April 20, 1989
KICK OFF - CLEARWATER PASS BRIDGE
The City Commission of the City of Clearwater met at City Hall, at 5:04 P.M. with the following members present:
Rita Garvey Mayor/Commissioner
Richard Fitzgerald Commissioner
Lee Regulski Commissioner
Don Winner Commissioner
William Nunamaker Commissioner (arrived 5:15 P.M.)
Also present were:
Ron H. Rabun City Manager
William Baker Public Works Director
Cynthia E. Goudeau City Clerk
The Mayor called the meeting to order at 5:04 P.M., and the following items were discussed:
The City Manager reported that this is a public, official Kick-off meeting regarding the Clearwater Pass Bridge Project. This is a meeting recommended by the Florida Department of Transportation
and the Federal Highway Administration. He reported there will be other public hearings later in the process.
Jack Roberts, of Volkert & Associates, Clearwater's consultants regarding the bridge project, reported the Florida Department of Transportation will continue to be a partner in this
process. He provided an overview of the project. He stated Volkert has studied options for repair or replacement of the bridge, and the most feasible option is to consider replacement.
They are now in the process of analyzing the most feasible project by collecting data regarding environmental, social and ROW impacts. He stated the bridge must be replaced as closely
to existing lengths as possible, however different alignments will be evaluated. Different design concepts and channel location will also be studied. He stated they will collect various
information regarding environmental and traffic concerns and the options will be analyzed.
A public hearing will be held in March of 1990 at which time final alternatives will be discussed. The final decision will be made by the City in conjunction with the Florida Department
of Transportation and the Federal Highway Administration.
In response to questions it was indicated the study being done will determine the number of lanes for the bridge and the designing of the bridge cannot begin until the Federal Highway
Administration has given the location design approval.
A question was raised regarding whether the study would include evaluation of whether or not this is the best location for the bridge. A suggestion was made that a bridge go from Sand
Key to the mainland. Mr. Roberts indicated Federal regulations limit funding to replacing a bridge close to the current touchdown points.
A question was raised regarding whether or not a bascule or closed span bridge will be recommended and whether or not Dunedin Pass is allowed to be dredged would affect the design.
It was stated that all of this would be coordinated through the study. It was indicated that the commission has expressed a preference for a high-level fixed span bridge, however, this
can change as the facts warrant. It was also pointed out that the Federal Highway Administration and the Florida Department of Transportation will determine the best alternative.
Discussion ensued regarding the 5% grade of the bridge with a sixty foot high span, and if the bridge was raised to eighty five feet whether there would be an acceptable grade. It was
indicated for an eighty five foot high bridge, the length of the bridge would have to be increased. The City Manager stated it is the City Commission's intent to find Federal funding
for the bridge in order to remove the toll from the Sand Key Bridge. Mr. Roberts indicated that being realistic they are looking at a bridge in the same general area.
The meeting adjourned at 5:44 P.M.