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03/26/2001CLEARWATER BEACH ENTRYWAY ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETING CITY OF CLEARWATER March 26, 2001 Present: Commissioner Ed Hart Facilitator/Non Voting Chair Herb Brown Committee Member Lucile Casey Committee Member Commissioner Hoyt Hamilton Committee Member Bruce Littler Committee Member Dan Moran Committee Member Roger Schulman Committee Member Carl Wagenfohr Committee Member Bob Bickerstaffe Committee Member Absent: Arthur Lupien Committee Member Commissioner Bill Jonson Alternate Also present: Gary Johnson Public Works Director Paul Bertels Traffic Operations Manager Lt. Mike Waters Police Department – departed 5:25 p.m. Cynthia E. Goudeau City Clerk Patricia O. Sullivan Board Reporter The Chair called the meeting to order at 4:00 p.m. at City Hall. To provide continuity for research, items are in agenda order although not necessarily discussed in that order. ITEM #1 – Review Minutes In reference to the minutes of the regular meeting of March 19, 2001, page 2, paragraph 3, it was recommended the word “initiate” be replaced by “implement.” In reference to page 3, paragraph 2, it was recommended after “…a handicapped person required that accommodation.” it should read, “It was estimated only 10% of motorists use their turn signals in the roundabout. Lt. Waters said the major point of conflict is at the Coronado exit. Concern was expressed trucks speed through the roundabout.” ITEM #2 - Old Business Traffic Operations Manager Paul Bertels referred to expressed concerns regarding dangers affecting motorcyclists. Although rubber striping can be slippery, using paint instead requires frequent reapplication. It was suggested the rubber striping be replaced by paint and when the paint fades, staff can observe traffic movement through the roundabout without striping. ITEM #3 - Discussion Items a) Roundabout Report Review AND b) Executive Summary & Specific Recommendations The Chair said the committee’s draft report would be submitted for City Commission review on March 31, 2001. Members were requested to submit additional materials by Wednesday. Changes can be made to the draft after Spring Break. Staff distributed a map of the roundabout, highlighting areas recommended for widening in the Crown Report. It was stated most costs related to Crown’s recommended changes address speed and capacity. It was recommended the Committee focus on safety related recommendations. It was noted all changes must consider Beach by Design plans. c) Alternatives other than the Crown Report It was suggested signs clearly indicate both lanes exit at Coronado to limit conflicts when inner lane vehicles attempt to exit there. It was stated accidents occur when inner lane vehicles turn in front of outer lane vehicles. It was suggested candlesticks between the roundabout’s lanes could limit inner lane turns prior to the Coronado exit. It was recommended the Coronado exit be treated the same as the Causeway exit. It was noted vehicles have difficulty after exiting the Marina when trying to reach Mandalay. It was stated the parking lot for Crabby Bills is being redesigned. It was requested staff clarify that the Mandalay realignment and streetscaping project are coordinated with the roundabout. d) New Information from Barry Crown Mr. Bertels reported Barry Crown had suggested the City only implement his recommended redesign between Mandalay and Coronado: 1) realign west curb line of roundabout from east-west axis, south into Coronado Drive entrance and 2) resurface and restripe pavement to the final design. That change is estimated to cost $244,000, plus the cost of striping. It was felt the pedestrian crossing on Coronado causes too many backups into the roundabout. It was noted that crossing had been relocated farther from the roundabout to limit backups. It was stated traffic movement to and from the beach has improved significantly since the roundabout was installed. Mr. Bertels said Mr. Crown had indicated the accident rate probably would decrease after the minor change is made. Concern was expressed the proposed change will increase traffic speeds between Mandalay and Coronado and create a “T” intersection at Mandalay, making it difficult for that traffic to access the roundabout. It was noted few drivers use the inside lane. It was suggested additional law enforcement would decrease vehicle speeds. It was felt the conflict point at Coronado will remain after Crown changes are made as most Mandalay traffic exits the roundabout at the Causeway. It was stated the change will create problems as Coronado traffic will have little time to access the inner lane and avoid exiting onto the Causeway. It was suggested removing the medians at Poinsettia and the Marina would increase turning radii. Public Works Director Gary Johnson said the islands help direct traffic. He estimated implementation of the reduced change would disrupt traffic for three months. It was suggested the change would be worth it if it alleviates dangers. Member Brown moved for staff to contact Barry Crown and ask if his new recommendation will alleviate traffic safety issues and to report on estimated costs. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously. d) Fountain Operating Costs & Water Consumption Mr. Johnson said due to the drought, the Interim City Manager had ordered the fountain’s water display to be limited to cascading down the steps. The geysers will remain off until the drought subsides. Staff will monitor water use. If the fountain is turned off, its caulking will crack and peel and the water will turn green. SWFWMD (Southwest Florida Water Management District) does not have rules related to fountains. In her March 26, 2001 memorandum regarding the Entryway Fountain, Public Works Administrator Mahshid Arasteh said annual maintenance costs total $231,730: 1) $118,330 – fountain maintenance; 2) $60,000 – electric: 3) $38,400 – water; and 4) $15,000 – electrical light maintenance. Annual water costs are based on a monthly water consumption rate of 670,000, as reflected by December use. The fountain used 1-million gallons in January and 1.8-million in February when the fountain had to be drained twice for inspection and repairs. Estimated water consumption for March is estimated to be 280,000 gallons. Also landscaping maintenance of the entryway costs $67,200 annually. It is estimated demolishing the fountain and replacing it with landscaping would cost $544,558: 1) $70,000 - demolition of fountain; 2) $32,800 - irrigation installation; 3) $322,253 - fill material, palms, palm lights, specimens, shrubs, groundcover, St. Augustine sod and mulch; 4) $70,000 –allowance for Maintenance of Traffic; and 5) $49,505 – 10% contingency. Staff estimates maintenance costs at $30,000 annually. Discussion ensued regarding the need for drivers to be able to see the other side of the roundabout. Members disagreed on the importance of that view. Suggestions were to replace the fountain with a concrete sundial, similar to one in San Francisco, or sod and a flag. It was felt those alternatives would become attractive nuisances. It was suggested reclaimed water replace the potable water currently used. Mr. Johnson estimated that change would cost $20,000, plus $100,000 to install a gravity sewer line to reroute the water back to the plant. He reported reclaimed water is extremely corrosive on metal and cast iron grates, and estimated costs related to early failure of components at $300,000 to $400,000. He said people, who are sprayed with reclaimed water, will not get sick as it has extremely high chlorine levels. In response to a question, Mr. Johnson said the fountain’s pumps cost $2.1-million and have a salvage value. It was felt removing the fountain and reducing maintenance costs by one-third would be worthwhile. In response to a question, Mr. Johnson said the vault is oversized to support an interactive fountain once envisioned for the nearby park. It was felt the fountain’s replacement must be attractive and discourage pedestrians from accessing it. Mr. Johnson said in a few months staff will determine costs related to the fountain cascading water versus shooting geysers. It was stated the City cannot afford the high costs related to fountain maintenance. Opposition to destroying the beautiful fountain was expressed. It was stated the fountain is a focal point, loved by tourists. It was stated water features are popular and appreciated world wide. It was suggested related costs could be modified. Concern was expressed water from the fountain’s spray not dampen the road and jeopardize the safety of motorcyclists. Member Wagonfohr moved to recommend, that based on concerns related to the fountain, the Commission consider modifications the fountain to reduce operating cost, address safety, reduce use of potable water, and improve the sight line. The motion was duly seconded. Discussion ensued regarding site lines. It was suggested beach businesses be surveyed and private funding to support fountain costs be investigated. Upon the vote being taken, Members Casey, Hamilton, Schulman, and Wagonfohr voted “Aye”; Members Bickerstaffe, Brown, Littler, and Moran voted “Nay.” Motion failed. Member Moran moved to recommend to the City Commission that the fountain be modified to change only water flow, so that it cascades and that no structure changes be made to the fountain. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously. ITEM #4 – New Business Staff reported this weekend an art show is planned for Cleveland Street, a concert will block Drew Street, and a volleyball tournament is planned for Pier 60. It was felt special events are not needed in March. ITEM #5 – Next Meeting The next meeting date will be May 7, 2001 at 4:00 p.m. Adjournment The meeting adjourned at 5:39 p.m.