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2023.05.02_TC_Minutes_Regular ^T TOWN OF HIGHLAND BEACH • TOWN COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES Library Community Room Date: May 02, 2023 3618 South Ocean Boulevard Time: 1:30 PM Highland Beach, Florida 33487 1. CALL TO ORDER Mayor Moore called the meeting to order at 1:30 P.M. 2. ROLL CALL Commissioner Judith M. Goldberg Commissioner Donald Peters Commissioner Evalyn David Vice Mayor David Stern Mayor Natasha Moore Town Manager Marshall Labadie Town Attorney Glen Torcivia (arrived at 1:35 P.M.) Town Clerk Lanelda Gaskins 3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE The Town Commission led the Pledge of Allegiance to the United States of America. 4. APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA MOTION: Stern/Goldberg - Moved to approve the agenda as presented which, passed unanimously 5 - 0. 5. PRESENTATIONS / PROCLAMATIONS A. Resolution No. 2023-005 / Reappointment to the Financial Advisory Board A Resolution of the Town Commission of the Town of Highland Beach, Florida, ratifying the selection, appointments, and term of office of members of the Financial Advisory Board; and providing for an effective date. Mayor Moore read the title of Resolution No. 2023-005. The purpose of this item was to reappoint Ronald Reame to the Financial Advisory Board. Town Commission Meeting Minutes Date: May 02, 2023 Page 2 of 9 MOTION: Stern/David - Moved to accept Resolution No. 2023-005 appointing Ronald Reame to the Financial Advisory Board, which passed unanimously 5 - 0. B. Building Safety Month Proclamation Mayor Moore presented the Building Safety Month Proclamation. C. Professional Municipal Clerk Week Proclamation Mayor Moore presented the Professional Municipal Clerk Week Proclamation. D. Drinking Water Week Proclamation Mayor Moore presented the Drinking Water Week Proclamation. E. PRESENTATION 1. FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION, DISTRICT 4 - STATE ROAD A1A RRR PROJECT Mayor Moore read the title of this item. Mr. Brad Salisbury, Design Project Manager with the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), District 4, gave a PowerPoint presentation on the State Road A1A RRR Project. The project limits are State Road A1A/Ocean Boulevard from South of Grand Court to South Linton Boulevard. Mr. Salisbury presented a synopsis of the history of the project regarding the 2019 - 2021 early project coordination, FDOT District Secretary Field Meeting on September 21, 2021, FDOT Field Meeting with Highland Beach on April 06, 2022, FDOT First Design Public Meeting on August 31, 2022, FDOT Second Design Public Meeting on March 13, 2023, the project overview, the existing and proposed conditions, the proposed pavement width, the adjacent resurfacing projects, the proposed drainage improvements, tree preservation, minimizing construction impacts on the community, and the project schedule. The project schedule is as follows: May 2023 — 90% plan submittals, August 2023 — 100% plan submittals, December 2023 — construction letting, Spring 2024 — construction public meeting, Spring 2024 — anticipated construction start, and Construction time estimate will be determined based on 90% plans submittal. 2. QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Following the presentation, the Questions and Answers session began between the public and Brad Salisbury. Ms. Debbie Muller, 2375 South Ocean Boulevard, talked about the traffic flow in Highland Beach. She asked if traffic could be closed to local traffic only and when would the projects be completed in Boca Raton and Delray Beach. Mr. Salisbury Town Commission Meeting Minutes Date: May 02, 2023 Page 3 of 9 will look at the project timelines and provide that information later during the meeting. To address the maintenance of traffic and the local traffic only, FDOT will display message boards at Federal Highway and Spanish River Boulevard, Federal Highway and Linton Boulevard as well as on State Road A1A and each of those roads to inform the public of the project. State Road A1A is a public highway which cannot be restricted local traffic to one community. The local traffic only signage is not enforceable. FDOT will encourage the drivers to use an alternate route. Mr. Paul Saunders, 2445 South Ocean Boulevard, spoke about the in-season traffic flow and 20-minute bridge schedule at Linton Boulevard. He expressed appreciation for expanding the bike lanes. Then he asked if there could be a barrier to separate the bike lanes from the vehicles and if the project would go quicker if they could work on sections longer than 1000 feet. As for the closure of lanes, Mr. Salisbury explained that it would speed the project up if they worked on longer stretches of the road but that it would back up traffic more. The restriction was not set in stone, it could be reevaluated, and he would look into how much expanding the length would speed up the project. He also explained that FDOT evaluated bike lane separations and the drawbacks are that there are 200 driveways along the roadway. Then, Mr. Saunders mentioned that drivers get distracted and that barriers could encourage drivers to pay attention more. Mr. Salisbury mentioned that they would look at some type of reduced spacing again and the placement of flexible barriers. Mr. Salisbury explained that the project has not been involved with bridge timing, which is controlled by the Coast Guard. Since this project is not on Linton Boulevard, he will speak with the project manager for the Linton Boulevard to Atlantic Avenue segment to find out if he/she is in coordination with the Coast Guard. Ms. Chris Viegas, 3407 South Ocean Boulevard, suggested displaying a large map of the project in the Town Hall lobby area. She asked if there would be any sidewalk impact, and if so where, and could the 2024 spring meeting be held in March instead of April. Mr. Salisbury mentioned that he would speak with the office about holding the meeting in March 2024. He also spoke about the impact of the sidewalks that are being raised are ones that are flooding which will be put back in the same spot at the same width. Town Manager Labadie questioned if the entirety of the sidewalk could be resurfaced and coordinated into one project. He mentioned that a detailed story board would be displayed at Town Hall for public viewing. As for barriers and bicycle movement, Mr. Salisbury will explore plausible options for bike lanes and will supply a list to Town Manager Labadie. Once Mr. Labadie receives the list, he will speak with Chief of Police Craig Hartmann about the matter and involve the local bicycle group. Town Commission Meeting Minutes Date: May 02, 2023 Page 4 of 9 Mr. Jeff Schwartz, 3700 South Ocean Boulevard, mentioned that construction and delivery vehicles impede traffic, forcing bikers into the street. He asked if this would cause the trucks to park more in the bike lanes. Ms. Muller spoke about delivery drivers stopping on the side of the road instead of pulling into driveways to deliver packages. Mr. Anthony Philosophos, 3606 South Ocean Boulevard, voiced that he was in favor of some sort of division between bike and road. He questioned how many citations were given to cyclists in the last 10 years. Mr. Saunders spoke about the bicyclists driving out onto the road. He mentioned that having an occasional post will keep bicyclists in their lane. Mr. Bruce Rosenzweig, 3908 South Ocean Boulevard, spoke about separated bike lanes versus protected bike lanes. He asked if the extended turn lane on Linton Boulevard would be taken from the east or west side. Mr. Salisbury explained that the Linton widening would be widened to the west side. Mr. Salisbury explained the widening would be to the east side. He explained that the adjacent projects in Boca Raton and Delray Beach will start in 2025. Mr. Joel Leinson, 3740 South Ocean Boulevard, asked if there was a designated contractor area and what mitigating steps would be taken to put in drainage for the properties on the east side that generate the water coming down onto State Road A1A. Mr. Salisbury explained that the contractors would be working with construction staff to select the construction staging area. As for the drainage to accommodate the properties on the east side, FDOT has met with several of the property owners to talk about their drainage needs. There are several options: 1) repaving and grading the asphalt to better get it to the swales to accommodate the water, or 2) to add the improved drainage swales (the infiltration and rocks) to help percolate the water quickly to the soil. Mr. Jack Halpern, 4511 South Ocean Boulevard, questioned if there would be work on the east side of State Road A1A as well as the west side. Mr. Salisbury explained that there would be some work on the east side of State Road A1A. Then, Mr. Halpern asked if there are intentions to put the French drainage on the east side of the road. He also commented on needing clarification about drainage. He asked if Boca Raton has five-foot bike lanes. Mr. Salisbury explained that the segment immediately south of the project does have them and that he would speak with the other project manager to find out further information. Mayor Moore inquired about the safety engineer who would work on the project. Mr. Salisbury spoke about the safety engineers report. He mentioned that the bike lanes were recommended as a need to improve. Also, all drainage improvements and those French drainage areas are displayed on the plans. Town Commission Meeting Minutes Date: May 02, 2023 Page 5 of 9 Mr. Halpern asked how FDOT would handle Milani Park. He mentioned that he was not in favor of putting dividers in the road for aesthetic purposes. Town Manager Labadie explained that Milani Park is a county park. He spoke about the wetland being enhanced with future development. Mr. Ted Fried, 3401 SOB, questioned if FDOT or the Town have leverage on bike lane safety. Mr. Salisbury explained that he was not aware of any active projects in Ocean Ridge or Gulf Stream. FDOT was working with the Town of Palm Beach for a resurfacing project. Mr. John Shoemaker, 3407 South Ocean Boulevard, commented on the need for five-foot bike lanes for safety issues. He suggested adding temporary lanes to Spanish River Boulevard to alleviate traffic. Mr. Salisbury clarified the suggestion about adding a temporary lane northbound between or at Spanish River Boulevard and State Road A1A. Town Manager Labadie explained it would be the extension of the southbound turning lane at State Road A1A and Spanish River Boulevard. Town Clerk Gaskins mentioned that Mr. David Kaufman requested to attend the meeting on Zoom. Mr. Kaufman was not audible by Zoom. Town Manager Labadie read public comments from Mr. Edward McDonald who had concerns related to flooding on the east side related to 3419 through 3421 South Ocean Boulevard. Mr. Labadie will send the email to Mr. Salisbury. concerns read in public comments from Edward McDonald. He encouraged anyone watching on YouTube, online or zoom to email their questions or comments to Town staff or send them directly to FDOT. Mayor Moore asked how the percentage of additional pavement area was calculated. Mr. Salisbury explained that a survey of the project was done, and the percentage was calculated based on that data. It would only be a 2.8% increase in pavement area. Mayor Moore asked about the improvement of the slope. Mr. Salisbury mentioned that the target slope was two percent (2%) and will improve the drainage and safety. The areas were extensively measured to resolve the drainage issues. In regard to the project starting in May 2024 and continuing for 15 months, Mayor Moore asked how much of that length of time will the roadway be down to a single lane at certain times. Mr. Salisbury mentioned that when the work is contained to the swales the roads will not be closed. Also, the project will be in phases. The goal is to close the lanes as little as possible. He hopes to have a more defined estimate of the lane closure time in the future. Town Commission Meeting Minutes Date: May 02, 2023 Page 6 of 9 Commissioner Goldberg asked if there are any adjustments on the time of day specific to lane closures. Mr. Salisbury mentioned that construction hours are not restricted to allow the contractors the ability to work longer and get the project done faster. Currently, the only restrictions are the during the day, which is defined as 8.00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. The lane closure length is limited to 1,000 feet. At night from 8:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m., they can extend the lane closure length up to 2,500 feet. The contractors will have several options. He mentioned that the Town could request some restrictions on the construction time. Commissioner Goldberg inquired about pedestrians and the bike path being impacted. Mr. Salisbury explained that may be a temporary path for pedestrians around the work area. There will be times when the bike lanes are closed, and cyclists will have to use the traveling lane to pass the construction. She then asked if there was any way to limit the large groups of bikes traveling along the roadway? Town Manager Labadie mentioned it would be communicated with the bicyclists or bike groups. She suggested communicating with the bicycle clubs to reduce the travel traffic. She also asked about large transport trucks and how that would be handled. Mr. Salisbury mentioned that the contractors were familiar with handling large trucks and emergency vehicles. Commissioner Peters asked if the existing turning lanes will remain intact, and Mr. Salisbury replied yes. Commissioner Peters then inquired about the narrow roadway near Linton Boulevard and if widening the roadway would affect the sidewalk. Mr. Salisbury responded that there would still be swales separating the sidewalk and the roadway. Commissioner David mentioned the transport vehicles are not allowed to stop in the Town. Mr. Salisbury mentioned that it is usually not a major issue. Commissioner David thanked Mr. Salisbury for his efforts. Vice Mayor Stern questioned if this project would be Monday through Friday and what the 15-month timeline was based on. Mr. Salisbury mentioned that they only restrictions were requested by St. Lucy Church and the construction timeline estimate was based on a 40-hour work week. Commissioner David mentioned that residents would not want noisy construction overnight. Mr. Salisbury mentioned that he would be meeting with Boca and Delray project managers to unify the hours of work and that he would work with the Town on timelines and schedules. Mr. Terry Narcisco, 3221 South Ocean Boulevard, asked where the equipment will be placed and where will the workers park their trucks. Mr. Salisbury mentioned the construction staging area will be decided by the construction project manager. Mayor Moore expressed appreciation as it relates to their meetings and FDOT's accommodations that they made based on feedback from residents. Town Commission Meeting Minutes Date: May 02, 2023 Page 7 of 9 6. PUBLIC COMMENTS (NON-AGENDA ITEMS ONLY) Mayor Moore opened public comments. Mr. Jack Halpern, 4511 South Ocean Boulevard, spoke about lessons learned as it relates to the September 2021 meeting. 7. ANNOUNCEMENTS Mayor Moore read the announcements as follows: Board Vacancies Board of Adjustment and Appeals: Two (2) vacancies for three-year terms Natural Resources Three (3) vacancies for unexpired terms Preservation Advisory Board: ending April 30, 2024 Meetings and Events May 04, 2023 11:00 A.M. Natural Resources Preservation Advisory Board Organizational Meeting May 09, 2023 1.00 P.M. Code Enforcement Board Regular Meeting May 11, 2023 9:30 A.M. Planning Board Regular Meeting May 16, 2023 1:30 P.M. Town Commission Meeting May 23, 2023 1:30 P.M. Town Commission Special Meeting Board Action Report None. 8. ORDINANCES None. 9. CONSENT AGENDA (These are items that the Commission typically does not need to discuss individually, and which are voted on as a group.) A. Approval of Meeting Minutes April 04, 2023 Town Commission Meeting Minutes B. Approval of Canvassing Board Meeting Minutes Town Commission Meeting Minutes Date: May 02, 2023 Page 8 of 9 February 22, 2023 Pre-Election Canvassing Board Meeting Minutes March 03, 2023 Logic and Accuracy Test Meeting Minutes March 10, 2023 Canvassing Board Meeting Minutes March 13, 2023 Canvassing Board Meeting Minutes March 14, 2023 Canvassing Board Meeting Minutes March 16, 2023 Canvassing Board Meeting Minutes March 23, 2023 Canvassing Board Meeting Minutes for Post-Election Audit MOTION: David/Stern - Moved to approve the Meeting Minutes (Consent Agenda) as presented, which passed unanimously 5 to 0. 10. UNFINISHED BUSINESS A. None. 11. NEW BUSINESS A. None. 12. TOWN COMMISSION COMMENTS Commissioner Judith M. Goldberg spoke about the meeting participants. Commissioner Donald Peters appreciated the public attending the meeting as well as FDOT staff members and Brad answering questions. Commissioner Evalyn David mentioned that with any construction project, there will be some sort of inconvenience. This is a good project overall and FDOT is taking the Town's input seriously. Vice Mayor David Stern commented that this was a really good meeting and thanked everyone for coming. Mayor Natasha Moore thanked everyone for coming to the meeting. 13. TOWN ATTORNEY'S REPORT Town Attorney Torcivia had no comments. 14. TOWN MANAGER'S REPORT Town Manger Labadie reported the following: He spoke about the agenda items for the upcoming Town Commission meetings. He mentioned that the annual budget cycle is starting soon. Demolition day for the new Fire Station starts tomorrow, May 03, 2023. Town Commission Meeting Minutes Date: May 02, 2023 Page 9 of 9 Skender Coma, Management Analyst provided a PowerPoint presentation on the new Town website and mentioned that May 17 is the go-live date. 15. ADJOURNMENT The meeting adjourned at 3:32 PM. APPROVED: June 06, 2023, Town Commission Meeting. ATTEST: Natasha Moore, Mayor Transcribed by Lanelda Gaskins 06/06/2023 Qan Ida Gaskins, I?NMC Date Town Clerk ��GHLgN h1 00 1949 ti.. SEA ,.o* 11, F�ND'O ' Disclaimer: Effective May 19, 2020, per Resolution No. 20-008, all meeting minutes are transcribed as a brief summary reflecting the events of this meeting. Verbatim audio/video recordings are permanent records and are available on the Town's Media Archives & Minutes webpage: https://highlandbeach-fl.municodemeetings.com/.