Members Absent: Sergeant John Donovan, Florida Highway Patrol Representative (1) TAC Vacancy

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1 TRAFFIC ADVISORY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES SARASOTA COUNTY ADMINISTRATION CENTER 1660 RINGLING BLVD., SARASOTA, FLORIDA BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSION CHAMBERS, 1 st FLOOR June 13, :00P.M. Members Present: Morgan Skoegard, Chair Becky Ayech, Vice Chair Ken Swartz Mary Glidden-Williams Dylan Hawley STAR Member Sergeant Darrell Seckendorf, Sarasota Sheriff s Office Members Absent: Sergeant John Donovan, Florida Highway Patrol Representative (1) TAC Vacancy Staff Present: Robert Fakhri, P.E., Traffic Engineering and Operations Manager Shanon Rodden, E.I., Traffic Engineering (Presenter) Marquis Bing, E.I., Traffic Engineering (Presenter) Lisa Cece, Transportation & Real Estate (Liaison) Item 1 At 2:00pm, Chairman Skoegard called the meeting to order and proceeded with the Pledge of Allegiance. Vice-Chair Ayech then requested a moment of silence for the Orlando shooting victims. Chair Skoegard then thanked County staff John Sharp, and Lisa Cece for assisting while Mr. Sharp s position is filled. Asked staff to provide the latest approved Rules of Procedure to the Council. Chair Skoegard also thanked Art Bacon, a former Council Member for his service. Council Member Glidden- Williams thanked the council for their patience last year as she was unable to attend some of the meetings. Chair Skoegard then opened the floor for a motion to approve the minutes of the December 14, 2015 meeting. On a motion by Vice-Chair Ayech, seconded by Council Member Swartz, the minutes of the December 14, 2015 meeting were unanimously approved (6-0) vote. Item 2 Item 3 Introduction of new Council Members - Star Student Dylan Hawley Open to the Public no speakers

2 Chair Skoegard provided the meeting protocol for speaking and asking questions of the Council and County staff. Item 4 Petition to restrict or remove twelve parking spaces on Beach Road, between Avenida Del Mare to Beach Way Drive. Staff member Shanon Rodden presented a location map, photos of the area and data collected by staff, along with letters from the Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce and Siesta Key Village Association in support of a parking restriction of midnight to 6am. Staff provided overall feedback of phone calls and s from the public with a recommendation of denial for this petition. Vice-Chair Ayech made an observation that the Lido Beach parking lot has parking restrictions, and asked if the parking on Ben Franklin Drive had any time constraints for parking. County staff is unaware of any constraints at this location. Vice-Chair Ayech also asked regarding the thirteen incidents what the time frame was and County staff responded it was from May 2015 to May Chair Skoegard responded that the thirteen incidents were in the last twelve months, and County staff confirmed and stated that eight of the thirteen were related to towing, illegal parking, and area calls unrelated to the parking spaces. Chair Skoegard then asked if the shelters were existing prior to the recent Siesta Beach Improvements, and County staff confirmed that the shelters existed prior to the beach improvements. Council Member Glidden-Williams stated that if the parking spaces were existing, asked staff what has changed now relevant to the petition request. County staff responded the only change was the current petition request by property owners, and that the petitioner could speak to this request. Chair Skoegard also asked if the pavilion was there prior to renovations, and County staff confirmed the pavilion was existing before improvements were made. Mr. Paul Parr spoke and stated that while renovations were ongoing there was no problem during that time. Also, that he did not know that parking would be reduced from eighteen to twelve parking spaces. Mr. Parr is having difficulty planning weddings at this location with the new pavilions. Bike Lanes on the outside of parking creates an obstruction. Suggested there should be a loading and unloading area designated in the parking lot. Petitioner Robert D Orsi, President of the Sunset Royale Condominiums then spoke and agreed that for the past year there have been very few complaints, as from mid- November until February of this year there was no access to the shelter area for parking. Main concern for this request is the night time activity. When residents call at 3am they are asked to meet with a Deputy, and they just want law enforcement to handle the situation. Memorial Day weekend, stated there were six parking violations

3 issued for the twelve spaces, but observed twenty five cars parking along the road. Then, a motorcyclist tried to turn around and was hit by a vehicle, along with other people arriving early in the day holding spaces, with no fine or restriction on how long they can park. Suggested a loading and unloading area would be a better use, and to eliminate the overnight parking. Council Member Swartz observed that the beach parking lot is closed from midnight to 6am, and asked if there is any prohibition of use of the beach pavilions. Mr. D Orsi responded that the pavilions and beach are open 24 hours a day, and restrooms close at 10pm. Issues with the public using the Sunset Royale property for bathrooms at night. Public drinking is allowed on the beach. Mr. Warren Skip Parrish spoke as a lifelong resident of his use of the beach from high school to current for health benefits. He goes every day and swims early morning and parks along Beach Road. Stated a large truck or big rig was parked there the day of the meeting, and that law enforcement might want to monitor. Never had any problem to access the beach, and that the beach has been there many years before the condominiums were built, so he is not in favor of the petition. Last speaker, Mr. Al Viviano spoke as a new owner of Sunset Royale as a secondary home purchased on May 27, He visited a Saturday before closing and observed all the parking spaces full, with kids sitting on their cars. With the reduction from eighteen to twelve parking spaces by the County, still a huge problem for residents. With completion of speakers, Chair Skoegard asked County staff if they had anything else to add. County Staff Rodden replied that the two letters from the SKVA and SKCC supported a restriction of parking from midnight to 6am, but did not support the elimination or removal of the public parking spaces. Discussion followed, and Council Member Swartz stated that the parking spaces may not be causing the issue with public drinking allowed. With a motion to deny the petition by Vice-Chair Ayech, stated that this is a public beach, and it has always been an issue to provide a place for young people to go, and to have parking availability. If people cannot park there, they will park somewhere, and the neighborhood could be impacted if a change was made. Motion seconded by Council Member Swartz. Chair Skoegard asked Sergeant Seckendorf of the Sheriff s Office if there is any restriction of drinking on the public beach. Sgt. Seckendorf responded that while drinking on the public beach is allowed, the issue of sitting along the roadway and drinking would be addressed through patrol and community policing. Chair Skoegard asked about increased enforcement, and Sgt. Seckendorf responded that this would be posted for all deputies to increase patrol of this designated area.

4 Chair Skoegard asked for a vote with motion to deny, and Vice Chair Ayech made a motion to deny the petition, with a second by Council Member Swartz. The Council the voted (6-0) to not recommend the prohibition or restriction of twelve public parking spaces along Beach Road. Item 5 Petition to install multi-way stop signs on Sorrento Woods Boulevard at Ruisdael Circle and Wyeth Drive. Staff member Shanon Rodden presented a locational map, photos of the area and data collected by staff with a recommendation of denial for this petition. Staff received nineteen s in opposition, one in support, with two undecided s for the petition. The petitioner, Mr. Christopher W. Hobson was in attendance and signed a speaker s card. Mr. Hobson stated the reason for the petition is a perceived problem of speeding. Was not limited to stop signs, the request form mentioned stop signs, cross walks, radar speed signs or any mechanism to slow traffic down. Sorrento Woods Boulevard does not qualify for traffic calming at 36 wide, as per County Code not to exceed 24 or less. 85 th percentile, there are 130 cars going 38 mph or better down Sorrento Woods Boulevard every day. The County and Mr. Hobson have sent requests to the Sheriff s Office, with no perceived enforcement. Asking the County to put in crosswalks, yield to pedestrian signs, referenced from the presentation that residents have to cross the road to get mail. Residents have almost been hit, or cars have honked at, and recently Mr. Hobson was hit on his bicycle. The Sheriff s Office did park and monitor at one time, but with the radar speed sign drivers went slower. Council Member Swartz responded that the petition request is four way stop signs, so the Council can only consider that request, and that stop signs are not to be used as traffic control. Mr. Hobson asked if the TAC had read the MUTCD. Council Member Swartz responded yes, and said the council is limited to consider four way stop signs, with numerous neighborhoods bringing similar requests. Vice-Chair Ayech pointed out that no matter the outcome, the Board of County Commissioners will hear the item regardless of the outcome today. Council Member Swartz stated that the Commissioners would not consider any requests without review by the TAC first. County staff Rodden stated that the other petition requests are being analyzed by staff, and are not items for the Traffic Advisory Council. Chair Skoegard asked for clarification that only the four way stop sign request is being considered by the council. Petitioner should work with County staff on the other items. Vice-Chair Ayech reiterated to all in attendance that the County has ordinances that are laws that provide the process of what can be considered by the Traffic Advisory Council. The council may otherwise take into consideration other factors other than staff recommendation like health and safety that are deemed appropriate as per the petition request.

5 Mr. Bill Kall, a Board member of the Sorrento Woods Homeowner s Association was the next speaker. He discussed concerns being new to the area, regarding a bus stop for children with no crosswalks, near misses with cars, rush hour traffic, and Mr. Hobson recently being hit by a car on his bicycle. Mr. Kall almost hit by cars while working on the front entrance landscaping, damage to sprinkler systems and electrical. Numerous young children out playing and with summer will be more kids out. Observed a golf cart with six or eight girls run a stop sign while texting. Fourteen homes along the raceway that have sold because of the traffic along Sorrento Woods Boulevard. There are also under age mini-bikes that frequent the neighborhood. Mentioned a radar speed sign nearby that seems to help slow drivers down. Not sure what can be done, asking the TAC to consider solutions. Chari Skoegard reiterated that the Council can only consider what was submitted by petition, and is being presented by staff. Mr. Bill Davis was the next speaker, who stated he had extensive discussions with staff on the concerns in Sorrento Woods. Referred to his street as a short cut street, with hundreds of cars that use Vermeer Drive to Wyeth to Sorrento Woods Boulevard, not always using the stop sign. Few people stop at McIntosh which is a very dangerous situation. Has seen drivers speed up at the stop sign and not stopping. Law Enforcement once monitored the area and ticketed a lot of drivers, and came back the next day with more officers. Has otherwise called the police with no response or police presence. Concerns with unsafe stop sign in front of his house. Requests increased monitoring of the stop sign and making people aware of poor driving habits. Mr. Keith Johnson was next speaker. He lives along Sorrento Woods Boulevard for over twenty-three years. Stated that the issue has gone before the Council before, on March 8, Stated that putting up stop signs is a solution and not a problem. Feels the streets are very safe with no accidents, injuries or fatalities. If stop signs are approved, it will not impact the petitioner, but will impact residents north of there. According to Florida Statutes, could even increase the speed limit to 40 mph. Survey provided does not reflect data to support the request, and numbers would be lower now. Suggested that people that buy a house on a busy street and complain about traffic should not punish everyone else in the neighborhood. Zero need, unnecessary with no injuries and accidents. Does not support the petition and agrees with staff s recommendation. Mr. Robert Laird was the next speaker. Lives on Sorrento Woods Boulevard and did not wish to repeat the same comments, but is in favor of some kind of traffic calming. While stop signs may or may not be a solution, looking for some kind of solution for people trying to cross and with no crosswalks. Mr. Raymond LeBlang was the next speaker. Lives along Sorrento Woods Boulevard for ten years and does not support request for stop signs. Acknowledged

6 that this request has come up before and not been approved. Does not want the neighborhood to end up looking like a business district, it is a beautiful subdivision Next speaker was Kelly Berta. Lives along De La Croix Circle. After taking five years to decide on where to live and build a home, chose Sorrento Woods, as safe and beautiful place to live. Likes to walk early morning, but was astounded to see how many cars run through from Mission Valley Estates. Thought it was just commuters, and started walking later in the morning and found just as many cars, golf carts with kids now out for summer. People ride her bumper, honking the horn and going around her vehicle. Large demographic in the area, young to old, bikers, walkers, strollers, and dog walkers. Feels the issue is mostly about enforcement. Had witnessed a child hit by a car up north, and does not want to see this happen in her neighborhood. Council Member Swartz asked about the golf carts observed, is it an issue in Sorrento Woods. Speaker Berta stated she has video of kids in golf carts, and have seen some go as far as Laurel Elementary. Not sure if they all have license plates, but have seen as many as eight kids piled on a golf cart. Next speaker was Joyce Kisner. Lives along Vermeer for the past twenty-eight years and is opposed to the stop sign request. Sons grew up there, walking or riding a bike to the corner to catch the bus. Did not have any problems, but people complained about traffic then, and tried to close McIntosh but the County would not approve the request. Saw a child on a bike fly out into the road in front of her car, and some other boys came out and did not stop, so she had to swerve again to avoid. At Wyeth and Vermeer as she was going home had a driver on a cell phone run a stop sign. Not so much the four way stop sign, but people doing the right thing and slowing down. Law Enforcement cannot be everywhere, and thanked the Council for considering the request. Chair Skoegard with no other speakers moved to close and make a motion. Vice Chair Ayech spoke regarding MUTCD requirements for stop signs, but stated the council can consider other factors. In east Sarasota County, recently requested lower speed limits but were unable to get approval. Made a motion to recommend approval of stop signs to slow down traffic in Sorrento Woods. There was no second. Chair Skoegard recommended that residents continue to work with the County on any other options that could be done to slow down traffic, but did not feel stop signs would be the answer. Council Member Swartz made a motion to deny the multi-way stop signs, and Sergeant Seckendorf seconded the motion. The Council voted (5-1) to deny the Petition to install multiway stop signs on Sorrento Woods Boulevard at Ruisdael Circle and Wyeth Drive.

7 Council Member Swartz stated this is a global issue, and residents need to work with Traffic staff on any other solutions. Did not remember any speed limit signs, but Chair Skoegard stated there is one at the entrance off of Laurel Road. Item 6 Petition to reduce the speed limit on Southpointe Drive from 30 mph to 25 mph. Staff member Marquis Bing presented a locational map, photos of the area and data collected by staff with a recommendation of approval for this petition. Staff received two s opposing the request. Question from Council Member Swartz to staff to verify a speed limit check on Southpointe Drive. The 85 th percentile speed was 31 mph, and the average speed was 23 mph. The petitioner did not speak, but Linda Holley was present to speak on the request, and has lived on Southpointe Drive for about a year. This situation is a result of residents who live on the street. There are children that play along the road, and she walks her dog and was almost run down. There are no sidewalks or bike lanes, and even though she does not have children, she is concerned with those that do for the safety of those children. The speed limit reduction to 25 mph is appropriate and she supports the request. Council Member spoke as to the confusion where there is a dead end street being used by those using the street and not foreign traffic. Questioned what effect lowering the speed limit to 25 mph with an average speed of 23 mph will have. Mrs. Holley responded that if the speed limit were changed, others would realize that they residents do have a voice, and the County did pay attention to those that have a safety issue on that street. Even though the study found an average speed of 23 mph, she observes higher speeds throughout the day. Council Member Swartz commented the logic makes sense but he would hate to go through the approval and see the same result later. Vice Chair Ayech questioned if lowering the speed to 25 mph would make the lower speed enforceable, and Sergeant Seckendorf responded that currently they enforce the 30 mph speed, but if changed law enforcement would then enforce the 25 mph speed limit. Vice Chair commented that could change what is happening on the road, to enforce the new speed limit. Chair Skoegard asked if Southpointe Drive has a Homeowner s Association and Mrs. Holley replied that they do. Chair Skoegard asked if they had approached the HOA to suggest sending a newsletter to residents to reduce driving speed, and Mrs. Holley stated that had not been done. The issue was more an enforcement problem that had been called in to the Sheriff s Department over the last year repeatedly. She stated that it may take a child being hit to get attention to the problem. Chair Skoegard stated that a vehicle travelling by at 25 mph seems much faster, and the average speed was found to be 23 mph so changing the speed limit and sign may not change anything. There should be some other options also with the HOA. Mrs. Holley observed that the issue was most prevalent at rush hour mornings and evenings. Council Member Swartz asked if there was any other information from the request that stated that law enforcement agreed that the speed limit was too high. Mrs. Holley responded that she was not the petitioner and did not know. She saw the sign and welcomed the opportunity to speak on the request.

8 Chair Skoegard closed the item to the public, and Vice Chair Ayech made a motion to approve per staff recommendation to reduce the speed limit from 30 to 25 mph on Southpointe Drive. The motion had a second from Council Member Glidden-Williams, and the council voted unanimously (6-0) to approve the motion. Item 7 Item 8 Petition to install multi-way stop signs on Charleston Circle and Perimeter Drive, in the Pine Lake neighborhood. Staff member Marquis Bing proposed that items 7 & 8 were related, so the council could wait to vote until the end of the presentation for item 8. Staff presented a locational map, photos of the area and data collected by staff with a recommendation of approval for this petition. Staff received three s in favor of stop signs, with one being read by an HOA member at the meeting. Petition to reduce the speed limit in the Pine Lake neighborhood from 30 mph to 25 mph. Staff member Marquis Bing presented a locational map, photos of the area and data collected by staff with a recommendation of approval for this petition. Staff received two s in support of the reduced speed petition request. First speaker was Ed Melton who lives on Perimeter Drive. A unique situation with a pond in the middle, and lots of walkers, a fountain, alligators and no sidewalks. He family comes to visit and they walk to the pond. In this area, there are two benches, so everyone gathers at this location by the fountain. It is one mile from Artist s Avenue to SR 776, so it is used as a pass-through street, both residential and commercial. Most do not live in the subdivision. Residents are afraid to walk around the pond due to the traffic passing through. SR 776 is 45 mph, so when they turn into Pine Lakes they are still at a higher rate of speed onto Charleston Circle. People like to walk dogs early morning and evening, and he works out side and has had vehicles driving through the landscaping. There is no continuity, as there is a two-way stop at Charleston easterly, and Newport heading northerly. Drivers do not know what to do at these stops. The other streets have no signage whatsoever, so suggestion of having more four-way stops in the neighborhood. Heading east you stop, heading west you do not have to stop. Council Member Swartz asked if there was any accident information, and Mr. Melton stated he did not have any. They have had drivers gesturing when residents are just trying to be able to utilize their neighborhood with dogs and children. Next speaker Jan Garcia spoke who has lived on Charleston Circle for the past two years. She reiterated that both roads to the entrance to Pine Lake have posted speeds of 45 mph. Drivers turning from either roadway east or west sometimes do not remember they are in a neighborhood. With residents getting the mail from the public mailbox with no sidewalks, people walking dogs and riding bicycles, cars go by fast. Rides her bike on the grass now to stay off the road. Their home is two houses from Old Englewood Road, so trying to back out of the driveway is quite an issue, as is pulling into the driveway with other cars driving through and not having to stop otherwise and going pretty quickly. Issues with stop signs not parallel with each other, and some vehicles that glide through and not stop with 89 homes. With a traffic count of 780 per day, this is not local traffic. If travelling at 30 mph pulling a trailer it is more difficult for them to stop. In favor of additional stop signs and reducing the speed limit.

9 Last speaker Gwendolyn Ream who lives on Jamestown Avenue off of Charleston Circle. She is also a member of the homeowner s group. Requested to read into the record sent previously from a former council member who is out of town who supports the petition. Letter was read out loud to the council. Have requested assistance many times before, and traffic problems increase every year, with damage done to the front entrance island and plantings that were done with a neighborhood grant to beautify the entrance. This has happened numerous times. A stop sign at Charleston Circle and Perimeter Drive, along with reducing the speed limit to 25 mph would help greatly. Pine Lake is a community of 89 homes, a voluntary HOA and the dues barely cover the maintenance cost. Being a former TAC member, it is realized that traffic is a problem in many Sarasota County roads that are used as a cut-through. The situation worsens when there are no sidewalks or bike lanes for residents walking dogs, and for children and the elderly walking the neighborhood. Submitted by Art Bacon. Chair Skoegard asked staff for clarification on the locations proposed for stop signs. Staff replied to show the locations on the map, with the existing stop signs. Chair Skoegard asked about one of the locations proposed, and did not feel it would have any effect on vehicles travelling from SR776 to Old Englewood Road. Showed the other existing stop signs in the community. Vice Chair Ayech asked how the original stop signs were placed in Pine Lake, as the proposed stop signs may not be warranted. Staff responded that they did not know, but were probably approved with the development of the Pine Lakes neighborhood. Vice Chair Ayech asked if Charleston Circle acts as a roundabout and does County staff see it as a function of a roundabout. Council Member Swartz asked staff if most of the traffic going from west to east, or east to west on Charleston Circle. Staff responded that most of the traffic is westbound, from SR776 toward Old Englewood Road. Council Member Swartz responded that west to east was understandable for stop signs, but not east to west. Speaker Ed Melton requested to speak to clarify the concerns of the request. If the council does not feel changes needed eastbound, that is the prerogative of the group. The requestor is in Ohio, so Mr. Melton clarified that Charleston Circle at Old Englewood Road has a stop sign heading east in place. There is also a stop sign on Newport heading north. The other two areas do not have a stop sign. When drivers come in off of SR 776 they are moving fast, with a quarter mile to the other entrance at Old Englewood Road. Pointed out other locations where stop signs would be beneficial. Does not know why a request for stop sign was proposed at the one location in this request. Vice Chair Ayech reiterated that the residents can petition and specify a different location for a proposed stop sign. Also, where do residents cross the road to go to the pond area. Mr. Melton responded they cross wherever, and that if a stop sign was proposed from Old Englewood Road, a crosswalk would also help provide a safe place to cross the roadway. Council Member Glidden-Williams questioned why the stop sign requests were placed where they are. Would be much better served further in toward the community to stop the traffic that is cutting through, which is the first problem. Chair Skoegard asked if anyone could answer the question, and staff responded that what is being proposed or considered was per the petition. Speaker Jan Garcia requested to speak and stated the intent was to give drivers on Charleston Circle the right of way.

10 Chair Skoegard closed the items to the public and asked for any discussion from the council. Council Member Swartz suggested that perhaps by reducing the speed limit would help to correct some of the other traffic issues and eliminate the need for the other stop signs. Chair Skoegard then went to a vote separately with Item 7 first to make a motion regarding the stop signs. Vice Chair Ayech made a motion to deny the request for multi-way stop signs at Charleston Circle and Perimeter Drive in the Pine Lake neighborhood. Council Member Glidden- Williams seconded the motion. Vice Chair Ayech suggested the residents analyze other locations for stop signs and bring back to the council in future. The council voted unanimously (6-0) vote to deny the petition request. Chair Skoegard asked for motion for Item 8, and Vice Chair moved to reduce the speed limit from 30 mph to 25 mph in the Pine Lake neighborhood. Moved and seconded by Ken Swartz, with a unanimous vote (6-0) to approve the petition request. Item 9 Other Business public comment by Bill Kall of the Sorrento Woods Homeowner s Association regarding Item 5. Not new business, but comment on much of the opposition at the meeting not being residents that live near the neighborhood, but at the end or at a dead end section. Chair Skoegard mentioned the next Traffic Advisory Council meeting for September 13 th, and staff updated that the Commission had requested that date. Future updates to be provided for the next quarterly meeting. STAR Council Member Hawley made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Vice Chair Ayech. Meeting adjourned at 4:10 P.M.