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09/06/2000Clearwater Beach Entryway Advisory Committee Minutes of September 6, 2000 Meeting The Clearwater Beach Entryway Advisory Committee (CBEAC) met on September 6th at 3:00 PM in City Hall’s Large Conference Room on 3rd Floor. This first meeting was for organizational purposes. Attendees: Staff: Commissioner Ed Hart; City Manager Bill Horne; City Clerk Cyndie Goudeau; Assistant City Clerk Sue Diana; Mahshid Arasteh, Public Works Administrator; Paul Bertels, Traffic Operations Manager; Carolyn Brink, Executive Assistant Committee: Hoyt Hamilton; Bruce Littler; Arthur Lupien; David Hemerick; Carl Wagenfohr; Roger Schulman; Herb Brown; Lucile Casey. Dan Moran called in with inability to attend and was excused. Guests: Bill Jonson; John Farr I. Introductions Comm Hart opened meeting and said his role would be one of facilitator to discuss and draw out ideas from group. This group is one that has no power and cannot authorize $. However, it is important to hear from the citizens and give representation to the commission on their thoughts. Cyndie Goudeau gave overview of “sunshine law” to members of the committee. The meetings must be properly noticed for the public; members cannot make phone calls, give messages to each other regarding committee subject. All discussion regarding subject has to take place in a noticed meeting. This meetings has been noticed to the press and properly distributed. Each person introduced themselves: Paul Bertels as Traffic Operations Manager; Mahshid Arasteh as Public Works Administrator; Hoyt Hamilton – resident and business owner on Clearwater Beach; Bruce Littler – owner of Nautical Shop and lives on north Clearwater Beach; Arthur Lupien – frequent beachgoer; David Hemerick – resident of Clearwater Beach, born and raised here; wants to preserve and protect the south end of beach; Carl Wagenfohr – resident of Island Estates and uses roundabout in car, on motorcycle and in-line skates; Roger Schulman – former 28 year resident however travels to beach often in his professional and promotional activities; Herb Brown – resident of Clearwater Beach for 31 years and loves the roundabout; Lucile Casey – wants to be part of solution, fiscally responsible and solve accidents; Bill Jonson – interested in roundabout, is part of scenic America and its corridors; John Farr – resident 22 years and a retired police officer; Bill Horne – assured group he would attend as many meetings as possible. Cyndie Goudeau and Sue Diana were introduced by Carolyn Brink. Comm Hart said that two more people will be appointed as alternate members at the Commission Meeting of September 7th and would be accepting call-ins up until that time. Define our role Hoyt Hamilton expressed he feels roundabout does have room for improvement however noted that the public has forgotten how long they waited in traffic to and from the beach before the roundabout; wants to obtain information; evaluate and come to a logical conclusion. The volume of traffic is tremendous and is handled well. Lucile Casey would like to find solutions to lessen accidents. Bruce Littler said he is supporter of roundabout; feels there is confusion with drivers turning in front of others and not understanding protocol of exiting. Also felt inferior designs and mistakes should be the responsibility of the firms hired. Arthur Lupien said no solution will be perfect; suggested improvements will have to be viewed together. David Hemerick likes roundabout, feels it is “over landscaped”, too many signs, too much happening visually, too many distractions while changing lanes. Accidents occur at intersection of Mandalay and Coronado. These intersections need addressing. Carl Wagenfohr noted book he brought entitled “Roundabout” and encouraged everyone to read it. He felt changes Barry Crown recommended were good. Has concerns with pedestrian crossings and increased speed of cars. He recommended MPO be contacted re: their committee input on pedestrian traffic. Wants detailed answers to questions and act as an oversight to Mr. Crown’s suggested improvements. Would like to see the final report from Mr. Crown. Mahshid Arasteh said the report should be here within the next week or two and that a conference call could be arranged with Mr. Crown. Roger Schulman felt Barry Crown made excellent recommendations. Suggested law enforcement officer should be here for resource. Roundabout working better than it did initially. Herb Brown concerned about turning right. Curbs need to be opened more. Major problems with roundabout are crazy drivers that are racing around. Recommends more traffic control, less signs. Beautiful roundabout for people who drive safely and sanely. Comm Ed Hart said he felt comfortable with everyone’s role. A report from this committee is expected by second week in October but felt that was too short a time frame. Lucile Casey thought the Committee needed some real data and that it might take more time than the second week in October. Comm Ed Hart felt the Committee also needed all costs for all phases. Bruce Littler raised a concern about the committee’ effectiveness and if we are going to be listened to. We need to know there is an ear listening to us. Comm Ed Hart said we need to do this correctly the first time. We may not make these decisions by spring break, but can have by the next spring break. Arthur Lupien thought it best to work through one idea at a time to see if it works. Bruce Littler said it is important to find a way to reduce accidents and feels the Committee needs to do this right away and then can work on the other suggestions. This would take the pressure off. David Hemerick felt curbs should have already been addressed, palm trees in center section – line of dozen palms – block view of pedestrians on Coronado. Carl Wagenfohr agreed there are safety issues with bicycles and pedestrians. David Hemerick thought some bollards on pedestrian areas should be removed so that bicyclists could use. Carl Wagenfohr also concerned that committee will receive credibility. Review Mission Statement Bruce Littler concerned about draft of mission statement. Hoyt Hamilton felt committee should have ample time to make a difference and that time frame was too tight. Spring Break should not be our immediate goal, but plan for all Spring Breaks to come. David Hemerick thinks committee should have Barry Crown report in front of them. Consensus that mission statement fine as is with the exception of meeting frequency. Committee thought once a week would be better. Bruce Littler suggested meeting weekly to expedite the short term solutions. Comm Ed Hart to take to Commission. Materials to bring to next meeting CDI 3 – entryway enhancements were available for distribution – outlining immediate measures, short term measures and long term measures. Clearwater Beach Entryway Roundabout Charrette report was available for distribution. The Barry Crown report will be available in the next week of two. Review calendars and set future meetings Consensus to meet weekly for now and determine future schedule. Next meeting set for Monday, September 11th at 4:00 PM. It was suggested that Chief Klein or designee be invited to attend next meeting for input.