09/11/2000Clearwater Beach Entryway Advisory Committee Meeting
Minutes of September 11, 2000
The CBEAC met on September 11th at 4:00 PM in the OED Training Room, Second Floor, City Hall.
Members Present:
Bruce Littler David Hemerick Carl Wagenfohr
Hoyt Hamilton Roger Schulman Arthur Lupien
Herb Brown
Bob Bickerstaffe & Bill Jonson, Alternates
John Farr, Guest
Members Absent:
Dan Moran Lucille Casey
Staff:
Comm Ed Hart, Facilitator
Bill Horne Mahshid Arasteh Paul Bertels
Lt. John Slack Carolyn Brink
Comm Ed Hart opened meeting by reading from Page 4, paragraph 3 of the CBE Roundabout Charette, July 2000 Draft.
I. Review Minutes
Comm Hart asked members to review minutes for approval at next meeting.
Rules of Procedure
The Rules of Procedure for the Fire Task Force were used as an example and it was agreed to adapt for use for the CBEAC concept. Adapted rules to be reviewed and discussed at next meeting.
Items/Old Business
Mahshid Arasteh said final Crown report is due in at end of next week and will be mailed to members.
Comm Hart introduced Lt. John Slack of the Police Department and asked if Police Department could have a representative here for each meeting for input. Upon questioning, Lt. Slack
said that the old intersection required 15-18 police/aides to assist traffic. On heavy days at roundabout, only 3 or 4 aides are necessary. Bruce Littler felt that in times of accidents,
there should be a cut-through at some point for traffic so that it doesn’t back up. Committee agreed to review this suggestion along with others. In response to question, Lt. Slack
said that tickets are not always issued at accidents at roundabout, due to the prevailing attitude that drivers to the left cannot exit to the right, this is left to insurance companies
to decide. Tickets are issued when an infraction is obvious.
Carl Wagenfohr said supportive of the Crown report regarding striping, felt this is on the right track.
General discussion ensued regarding “candles” and other ways to let people know the proper way to exit. Discussion regarding size of fountain and whether it contributes to hazards of
roundabout. Consensus felt it was not hazardous; exiting from the roundabout is the cause of most accidents. Lt. Slack agreed to bring list of accidents, if possible, statistics from
beginning of opening in December 15, 1998. Lt. Slack distributed “Crash and Volume Data” for last 5 months - in April 58; May 47; June 32; July 22; August 22. Right now there is an
average of 35,000 cars per day. Bruce Littler asked if the police department was asked for input from the beginning regarding roundabout. He felt the Police Department should have
been the first expert.
Carl Wagenfohr again raised the CDI 3 list – he wants the committee to discuss and prioritize and asked for update – where are we on it?
Mahshid said cost estimates will be available at the end of September.
Carl Wagenfohr very interested in how public was educated about the roundabout. His suggestion is to mail out good information through the Property Appraiser’s office. Bill Jonson
suggested a tourism radio station
Discussion ensued reference pedestrian safety. Comm Hart thought that bus stops should be removed from crosswalks. This is also confusing for motorists when they think a person will
cross road but are in actuality standing on corner to catch bus.
David Hemerick concerned about traffic queuing up on south beach.
Bill Jonson asked about fountain and how to deal with wind velocity increases – turn fountain inward. Comm Hart to bring up at Commission meeting.
Arthur Lupien would like roundabout picture up on wall next meeting so that it can easily be referred to when speaking.
Comm Hart wants to be sure we have measurable factors (performance standards) to determine if we have solved the problem and asked if we need an expert at another level – a more independent
review.
Mahshid Arasteh reminded committee that the objectives now are not the same as when the design was started. Pedestrian was highest; economic development next and then vehicle traffic
flow. Carl Wagenfohr said he did not want pedestrian safety compromised. No pedestrians have been hit to date.
New Business/Crown Draft/Burden Draft
Comm Hart urged everyone to read these reports.
Other Agenda Items – none
Time/Place of meetings
Meetings will continue to be weekly at 4:00 PM in the OED Training Room, second floor of City Hall. Exception to be no meeting next week, September 18th, as Comm Hart is out of town.
Weekly meetings will resume September 25th.