BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS AGENDA ITEM SUMMARY

8C3 ADDITIONAL ITEM BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS AGENDA ITEM SUMMARY PLACEMENT: DEPARTMENTAL PRESET: TITLE: REQUEST AUTHORIZATION TO INSTALL AND MAINTAIN SIGNS ALONG NE DIXIE HIGHWAY IN RIO AGENDA ITEM DATES: MEETING DATE: 8/5/2014 COMPLETED DATE: 7/24/2014 COUNTY ATTORNEY: 7/14/2014 ASSISTANT COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR: 7/21/2014 REQUESTED BY: DEPARTMENT: PREPARED BY: Name: The Honorable District 1 Commissioner Doug Smith Engineering Lisa A. Wichser, P.E. Name: Traffic Engineering / Development Review Administrator Procedures: None EXECUTIVE SUMMARY: Commissioner Smith has requested staff install and maintain signs to advise residents to refrain from feeding the peafowl in Rio. The signs are not standard highway signs found in the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices. Staff is asking the Board to authorize the installation and maintenance of the signs. APPROVAL: ACA CA 80618ece 1 of 15

BACKGROUND/RELATED STRATEGIC GOAL: In 2001, several public meetings were held at the Rio Civic Center, to discuss an amicable resolution for the peafowl concerns in Rio. As a result, a Peacock Committee was formed that, urged everyone not to feed any wild animals--including the peafowl. In May 2014, the Rio Civic Club sent a survey to Rio residents from NE Maureen Court to NE Silvia Avenue. The purpose of the survey was to obtain an, assessment of the range and population of our peafowl population that will help determine the need for a Peafowl Management Plan. The survey, the summary of its results, and the comments are attached. Shortly after the survey was completed and summarized, Commissioner Smith requested staff install signs on NE Dixie Highway. Section 4.695 of the Martin County Land Development Regulations, states, The following signs shall not be erected, placed or maintained and are prohibited: 4.695.A Signs, other than governmental signs of a public nature, erected, placed or maintained on or over any public property, and/or rights-of-way, except for such signs as the County Commission may itself allow for the general benefit of the County as a whole or for the public convenience, necessity or welfare. Signs erected in the right-of-way must be consistent with the national standards established by the Federal Highway Administration in the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD). Signs that are not identified or that need specific justification must be approved by the Board of County Commissioners. For example, when requested, the Board of County Commissioners authorized the placement of SANDHILL CRANE CROSSING warning signs, only if the Audubon Society has justified the signs by identifying an active nest in the vicinity of the request. Another example can be made for the EQUESTRIAN CROSSING warning signs that were installed when the Board of County Commissioners identified a specific public equestrian trail crossing an open public road right-of-way. The Traffic Division routinely denies requests for wildlife crossing warning signs that the Board of County Commissioners has not authorized. The attached map shows the proposed signs location. Staff prepared the attached sample of the sign face, which would be placed on an 18 x 24 sign blank. ISSUES: Because these signs are not standard highway signs, they cannot be mounted on the same post as a standard regulatory or warning sign; they must be installed on a unique post. The County does not have an ordinance that prohibits the feeding of peafowl; therefore, the signs cannot be enforced. RECOMMENDED ACTION: 80618ece 2 of 15

RECOMMENDATION Move that the Board authorize staff to install and maintain two signs on NE Dixie Highway as shown on the attached map and sample. ALTERNATIVE RECOMMENDATIONS Provide staff direction. FISCAL IMPACT: RECOMMENDATION The installation of the signs is approximately $350 and will be absorbed in the Traffic Division s current operating budget. The annual maintenance cost should be minimal. Funding Source County Funds Non-County Funds Authorization 3301-2202-05300-541 $350 Subtotal $350 Project Total $350 ALTERNATIVE RECOMMENDATIONS The impact is dependent upon the Board s direction. DOCUMENT(S) REQUIRING ACTION: Budget Transfer / Amendment Chair Letter Contract / Agreement Grant / Application Notice Ordinance Resolution Other: ROUTING: _ ADM _ BLD _ CDD _ COM _ ENG _ FRD _ GMD _ GSD _ ITS _ LIB _ MCA _ MPO _ PRD _ USD X CA X ACA _ LEG 80618ece 3 of 15

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PEACOCK SURVEY RESULTS - 60 Respondents Prepared by Rio Civic Club, June, 2014 Some questions were left unanswered. Related comments appear on the attachment. Question 1 I have seen peacocks in my neighborhood: 2. On those occasions when you saw peacocks, about how many were there? Frequently Sometimes Rarely Never SUM >10 >5 <5 Don't Know Other SUM Amy Ave. 1 1 2 1 1 Arch Ave. 6 2 8 4 3 Darlich Ave. 12 12 8 1 1-3 Dixie Hwy. 4 4 1 2 1 Elizabeth Ave. 2 1 1 4 2 2 Ida Place 1 1 1 Lake Place 4 4 1 2 1 Maureen Ct. 2 1 3 3 River Court 7 1 8 4 3 1 Rhodes Ave. 1 1 1 Silvia Ave. 6 6 4 1 1 Sottong Ave. 5 5 1 3 Varies Waveland Ave. 2 1 3 1 2 TOTAL 52 6 3 0 61 22 22 12 56 Question 3 I hear peacocks in my neighborhood Frequently Sometimes Rarely Never SUM Year-round At Night In Day Certain Times SUM Amy Ave. 1 * 1 Arch Ave. 2 3 *3 * ** Mating Season Darlich Ave. 8 1 ****3 * ** All the time Dixie Hwy. 1 1 1* 1 * * Mating Season Elizabeth Ave. 3 1 ** * Ida Place 1 * Lake Place 4 *** Maureen Ct. 1 1 1 River Court 4 4 * Rhodes Ave. 1 Silvia Ave. 5 ***1 * Spring Sottong Ave. 4 **1 Now!!! Waveland Ave. 2 *1 * TOTAL 36 9 2 47 12 1 1 14 6 of 15

Question 4 If I hear peacocks, I am annoyed: 5. I think the peacock population in Rio is: A Lot A Little Not SUM Too Many About Right Not Enough SUM Amy Ave. 2 1 1 Arch Ave. 8 6 2 Darlich Ave. 5 1 6 5 5 1 Dixie Hwy. 1 3 4 Elizabeth Ave. 1 3 3 1 Ida Place 1 1 Lake Place 1 3 1 3 Maureen Ct. 1 2 1 2 River Court 8 7 1 Rhodes Ave. 1 1 Silvia Ave. 3 2 1 4 1 1 Sottong Ave. 2 1 2 3 2 Waveland Ave. 2 2 1 TOTAL 13 7 40 60 16 36 8 60 Question 6 I think we need to manage the peacock population. 7. People may have peacocks, but they should be caged. SUM Agree Disagree SUM Agree Disagree Amy Ave. 2 2 Arch Ave. 8 8 LEGEND Darlich Ave. 6 6 3 9 * = Second answer; only first answer Dixie Hwy. 4 4 is included in the count Elizabeth Ave. 1 3 4 Ida Place 1 1 Lake Place 3 1 3 Maureen Ct. 2 1 2 River Court 8 1 7 Rhodes Ave. 1 1 Silvia Ave. 4 2 3 3 Sottong Ave. 4 1 1 4 Waveland Ave. 3 3 TOTAL 22 38 60 9 51 60 7 of 15

Question 8 During the time I have lived here, I have seen 9. The peacocks are an asset to our community: SUM the number of peacocks: Don't Increase Decrease Same Know SUM Agree Disagree Amy Ave. 1 1 1 Arch Ave. 3 3 1 1 8 Darlich Ave. 6 5 1 7 4 Dixie Hwy. 2 2 3 1 Elizabeth Ave. 2 2 4 Ida Place 1 1 Lake Place 2 1 1 3 Maureen Ct. 1 2 2 1 River Court 2 6 6 Rhodes Ave. 1 Silvia Ave. 4 1 1 3 *3 Sottong Ave. 4 1 2 3 Waveland Ave. 1 2 3 TOTAL 23 11 25 2 61 42 13 55 SUMMARY Greatest Response Per Question % of Responses Question 1 52 of 61 respondents see peacocks frequently. 85% Question 2 Tie: 22 of 56 see >10 and 22 of 56 see >5 peacocks 39% each Question 3 36 of 47 hear peacocks frequently 77% Question 4 40 of 60 are not annoyed, when they hear peacocks 67% Question 5 36 of 60 believe peacock population is about right 60% Question 6 38 of 60 do not want to manage peacocks 63% Question 7 51 of 60 do not agree to having caged peacocks 85% Question 8 25 of 61 have seen the same number of peacocks through the years 41% Question 9 42 of 55 believe that peacocks are an asset to our community 76% DELIVERY AREA: Residences from Maureen to Arch Avenues and Rhodes to Elizabeth Avenues Total Number of Peacock Surveys delivered: 216 Completed Peacock Surveys: 28% 8 of 15

PEACOCK SURVEY COMMENTS June, 2014 Please share your comments and recommendations for Rio s peacock management program: [Text contains minimal editing for legibility.] Amy Avenue 1. Live and let live! The peacocks are just one of the things that make Rio stand out much like our river, our beach, the Arch and our great parks, etc. Don t let a few destroy what is here! 2. Please leave them alone. We enjoy the peacocks. We have observed people driving up and down the streets to view the peacocks. We ride our bikes and love to see them. Arch Avenue 1. Beautiful to see. Leave them alone; if you don t like them, follow the directions to deter them. 2. [In answer to question no. 5. I think the peacock population in Rio is:] Thriving. [In answer to question no. 6. I think we need to manage the peacock population.] People shouldn t feed them. Comment: Make it illegal to feed them. The peacocks and hens would forage on their own. I don t mind them so much. 3. We have been in residence for 17 yrs. We are in our 40 s w/children. We see the peafowl a few times a week. They do not bother us in any way. It is actually an appreciated event. We have noticed the population increase slightly. It has not been a problem. We do not feed them, nor do our neighbors. We feel it is a privilege to live among these birds. 4. [In answer to question 2. On those occasions when you saw peacocks, about how many were there?] 28 once in a while. Comment: We are blessed to have these amazing animals in our little town. I love them. I see no reason for anyone to manage them. What s to manage? Leave them alone. They never roamed like this until Ms. Langford took ill. These birds have been here longer than most of the homes. Ms. Langford brought them here long before most of our homes were built. Live and let live. 5. Leave them; they add beauty and excitement to our neighborhood. 6. [In answer to question 3. I hear peacocks in my neighborhood:] year-round, but not obnoxious. [In answer to question 5. I think the peacock population in Rio is:] about right; let it alone... nature. Comment: The mail peacock population has decreased immensely over the last five years. They are an asset to our neighborhood; they won t hurt you unless provoked! I am a home-schooler and the peacocks ritual, habits and mating is a daily lesson. I have lived here for 17 years, and I have never heard anyone complaining about our feathered friends. While they can be loud during mating season, we all should know that they have instincts to protect their offspring... deal with it!! 7. [In answer to question 6. I think we need to manage the peacock population.] Manage how? Comment: I think the peacocks are beautiful! We are lucky to have them in our neighborhood. We should protect them by lowering the speed limit! Please, don t harm our peacocks with harmful deterrents! 8. We bought our house on Arch in January. The charming peacocks were one of the things that most attracted us to this great, fun Florida neighborhood. They are local color and removing them would only serve to make the neighborhood bland and unremarkable. We love the peacocks! - 4-9 of 15

Darlich Avenue 1. The peacocks live and breed here. They have been here for a long time. Most people who complain only live here seasonally. 2. Beautiful animals that should stay here. 3. We have lived in our house for the last 6 years. My whole family loves the peacocks. My niece and nephew have named them all. I have watched people drive up and down my street taking pictures of them. They are a very beautiful bird that needs to stay in our community. If people in our community want them to go, then for the birds safety, they need to be relocated. My family does not want to see the birds hurt by anybody. People in this neighborhood can be very mean to these birds. 4. We love the peacocks and think they add character to our little town we live in. 5. The peacocks migrated to our area after the hurricanes or 2004 and 2005 knocked down so many pine trees on Sago Drive. The population moves when it needs to find new roosting spots (pine trees). I enjoy the peacocks and like having them in our neighborhood. 6. [In answer to question 4. If I hear peacocks:] B checked it annoys me tremendously, R checked it annoys me a little, son checked it doesn t annoy me. Comment: I m new to the area. I have no idea what to do w/peacocks in areas, but I won t feed them! I ve seen peacocks on my front porch ledge around the cars in our driveway. It scared me, as I was exiting my house. The peacock left quickly and did not make a noise or cause damage yet, other than dirt all over my ledge. I like seeing them, but the noise is annoying! 7. Property damage on sliding door screen. They wake me up too early, approx. 5:00 a.m. They damage my vehicle (actually, one [peacock] in particular). Any type of reflection from cars he attacks. 8. Peacocks come to my house daily and poop. I have caught the peacock on my car and last week pecking on my car s bumper, putting scratches on it, got it [the peacock] away, and it came back, after I went inside. I love the peacocks, but not on my street. They are having babies all the time. They wake me up at 3:00 in the morning and then some. There are way more than 67 peacocks; who[ever] agrees with [the peacocks] doesn t have them damaging your car and keeping you up at night. 9. They need to GO. They pick my screens, my truck rims, scratch my trunk. They re a pain in the.... Thanks. 10. Please remove the peacocks. They trample flowers, use patios and sidewalks for their toilets, scratch my cars. They never stop screaming. Dixie Highway 1. [In answer to question 2. At one time I had 17 (mostly babies) in my yard. [In answer to question 7. People may have peacocks, but they should be caged.] Wild peacocks should not be caged. Comment: Mating season gets a little loud, but so are the humans in Rio. When the babies come, they are way too cute. I think if you are not a homeowner, your opinion does not count. When they [the peacocks] cross the street, it takes just as much time as a school crossing. Just be patient and enjoy nature. 2. I enjoy the peacocks. I worry so many cross 707. I worry about getting them over. Most times cars slow down. My guests enjoy the peacocks running around. 3. Frances Langford brought the first peafowl here in the mid-1940 s!!! They have been here for about 70 years. People who complain about them should get a life or MOVE!!!. 3. I see one every day. A flock wonders by a few times a week. They are quiet at night and an endearing asset to our river community. Let s get a committee to do cleanup yard requirements. - 5-10 of 15

Elizabeth Avenue 1. We used to see a lot of peacocks, which was really great. But in the last 5 6 years, we see only a few. Never had a problem with them. If you do not feed them, they will only visit for a short time. We hope to see more in the future. Also, they eat snakes. 2. [In answer to question 6. I think we need to manage the peacock population.] The naturalized population should not be controlled. Comment: Since 2001, the peacock population has decreased. As Rio residents, we should protect our native birds! Let them be wild and free! I was at the Rio Peace Conference, and I still remain Pro-peacock! It is short-sighted to do anything other than honor and protect Rio s peacock population. 3. I enjoy them. I ve lived here 4 years. Ida Place 1. Biggest complaint is: TOO MANY PEACOCKS. They are beautiful, though! Destroy eggs when found, should keep population down. Perhaps western Martin Co. would enjoy having a few. Lake Place 1. [In answer to question 8. During the time I have lived here, I have seen the number of peacocks:] decrease. A year ago there was a group of 12 15. Now it is less than 5. Comment: We believe the peacocks should be managed with regard to people not harming them or confining them. Other than that, they should be left to range freely. They are a unique and enjoyable asset to our community. It is OK to contact me. [Provided name and number.] 2. Laws should be put in place to punish anyone that harms the peacocks and discourage feeding of the birds. 3. We had a rogue peacock in the neighborhood a while back, and he was a loner (no peahens or young peacocks). He attacked my grandson s car and scratches it pretty badly and broke the clamp on his headlight. I had to chase him with a broom 3 or 4 times before he finally left. When they get like that, they have to be controlled. I haven t seen him for quite a while, and perhaps, animal control too care of the problem. 4. When they become destructive to your property, relocation services should be available. Maureen Court 1. I think the peacocks are a wonderful part of our community. We get a lot of wildlife in our backyard, and the peacocks take their turn, as well. 2. Don t bother them. They are family. 3. On multiple occasions they jump on my roof and walk around. They also walk on my screen room with damaging results. I have had to replace two panels because of claw marks, and one [peacock] put one foot through the screen before jumping clear. 4. I think that they do not do much damage and add so much to our little town to make it unique. Out-of-towners are always taking pictures because they can t believe that they run wild and peacefully here. One of my neighbors feeds them and that s OK with me keeps them off my driveway. When I had an outdoor cat, they came all the time to eat his food. - 6-11 of 15

River Court 1. [In answer to question 9. The peacocks are an asset to our community.] Frances would agree! Comment: I do know the house on River Ct. & Waveland do feed them! She probably thinks it s a good idea. 2. Keep the peacocks love them. Leave alone please! 3. The peacocks are beautiful, and I enjoy having them on my property. I feed them whenever they are here, which is often. Rhodes Avenue 1. For the peacocks safety, they should be managed and maintained. I know it s always been one of the uniqueness of living in Rio, however, they are constantly messing on my porch and are mean/aggressive sometimes towards my toddler and dog whenever in our own yard. I do not let them approach, but these non-native birds are threatening. Since a human brought them here knowing it s not their [the peacocks ] fault, I think/agree we should help them somehow, as annoying as they can be. They are beautiful and deserve better a preserve, farm or zoo?! Silvia Avenue 1. Please do something to control these birds. They are a nuisance. 2. The peacocks are unique to this neighborhood, but they do create messes that are both bothersome, embarrassing and time consuming to clean up. They are reproducing, as we see babies all the time. We think we need to control or relocate a lot of them. We do not want them killed, it s not their fault, it s the peoples fault it has gotten this bad. 3. There are still many people feeding the birds, which keeps them staying around. Put signs up notifying it s an offence to feed. 4. I do not feel the peacocks should be managed at all by humans. We greatly enjoy them. 5. Peacocks are a non-native nuisance to Rio. When I moved here there were no peacocks. Peacocks would have influenced my decision to locate in Rio. They are as obnoxious as a barking dog (which is controlled by county ordinance). The county needs to remove these birds which have frightened the native song birds away. 6. We have lived here for 13 years+ and really enjoy the peacocks, especially the babies!! LEAVE THEM ALONE!!! Sottong Avenue 1. We have lived in this area over 25 years. I remember when peacocks were at Langford s and then they roamed to Hillcrest and Sago area and now further west. They have definitely increased in population and are obnoxiously loud in early AM and dusk. They leave excrement on our driveway, cars and roof. They should be removed to farmland west of Palm City!!! 707 is a very busy road! 2. Crossing of peacocks on S.R. [C.R.] 707 make[s] for dangerous driving conditions saw 1 [one] with a hurt leg and nothing could be done. Sad! Should be away from traffic areas, out western M.C. [Martin County]. 3. Haven t tried it yet, but they would be good with black beans and rice! Get rid of these nuisance parasites. They need to be managed on a farm or more western ground. Don t know if you ever experienced bird screaming in your window at 3:00 a.m., but it sucks. - 7-12 of 15

4. I have lived in Rio since 1959. The peacocks are part of our history embrace them and the history. Better to hear the peacocks then the All Aboard Florida trains roaring by all day. Waveland Avenue 1. The peafowl in this area have been here since Frances Langford was here. I see no reason to do anything about them. I find them to be a nice asset to the community. Leave them alone!! 2. I love my peacock friends in Rio. They are beautiful birds and people should respect them and their home in Rio. Thanks, [name provided]. 3. They remind me of the legacy of Frances Langford which, I think, people should be aware of. - 8-13 of 15

NE 14 TH CT NE CLIPPER CT NE DARLICH AVE NE ELEANOR AVE NE SILVIA AVE NE 22 ND DR NE BEACON DR NE OCEAN BLV NE SAPPHIRE WAY NE PINE RIDGE ST NW FEDERAL HWY NE WOODS WAY SE MONTEREY RD SE OCEAN A1A BLV NE PEARL CIR NE 22 ND AVE NE ARCH ST NE 23 RD DR NE FELICITA PL NE ARCH AVE!F NE MAUREEN CT NE AMY AVE NE 23 RD AVE NE SOTTONG AVE NE DIXIE HWY NE PALMER ST NE 13 TH TER NE CROWS NEST TER!F NE RIVER CT NE LAKE PL NE WAVELAND AVE NE ELIZABETH AVE NE HILLCREST LN NE SAGO DR NE 12 TH TER NE SEAHORSE PL Location Map Please DO NOT FEED the PEACOCKS 14 of 15

Please DO NOT FEED the PEACOCKS 15 of 15