SUMMARY OF MINUTES BICYCLING AND PEDESTRIAN ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETING WEDNESDAY, January 13 th, 2016-6:30 PM BROWARD COUNTY GOVERNMENTAL CENTER 115 South Andrews Avenue, Room 329 F Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33301 Members Present: Mr. Dave Marshall, Chair Appointed by Commissioner Wexler, District 5 Mr. Steve Lim Appointed by Vice Mayor Kiar, District 1 Mr. Henry Hochmair, Vice Chair Appointed by Commissioner Ritter, District 3 Mr. Art Seitz Appointed by Commissioner LaMarca, District 4 Mr. Howard Kaplan Appointed by Mayor Ryan, District 7 Mr. Michael Kroll Appointed by League of Cities County Staff: Kevin Fischer Broward County Planning and Development Management Cindy Corbett-Elder Broward County Transit Mark Horowitz Broward County Highway Construction and Engineering Guests: Tiffany Olson Broward B-Cycle Stewart Robertson Kimley-Horn and Associates Christine Fanchi City of Fort Lauderdale Transportation and Mobility Steve Cook Visitor 2
I. CALL TO ORDER The Chair introduced himself and called the meeting to order at 6:35 PM. II. ROLL CALL Board members introduced themselves. III. INTRODUCTION OF BOARD, GUESTS AND VISITIORS The sign-in sheet was distributed and guests introduced themselves. IV. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES MOTION: It was moved by Mr. Art Seitz to approve the amended minutes for the October 14 th, 2015 BPAC meeting and seconded by Mr. Howard Kaplan. The motion was approved by unanimous voice vote. MOTION: It was moved by Mr. Henry Hochmair to approve the amended minutes for the November 11 th, 2015 BPAC meeting and seconded by Mr. Howard Kaplan. The motion was approved by unanimous voice vote. V. COMMENTS FROM THE CHAIR StreetFilms Video A video titled Revisiting Donald Appleyard s Livable Streets was viewed, which discussed the influence traffic has on social interaction on three different streets in San Francisco. A short discussion ensued following the video discussing how these streets were selected for comparison but noted how the topic of traffic volumes impact on streetlife and social interaction was interesting to evaluate. VI. RESIDENTS FORUM Mr. Steve Cook discussed the New River Landings development, located along the New River near the SE 3 rd Avenue Bridge. He stated there are between 800 and 900 units in the development and the lack of sidewalk access, particularly to Las Olas Boulevard (near the parking garage). It was noted that the road configuration was existing prior to the development of the condominiums and a discussion regarding site plan review continued. There was a discussion regarding the Las Olas Arts Fair. Mr. Cook noted that vans were parked on the sidewalk on Las Olas over the US 1 bridge and it was stated to him that the desire was for visitors to walk in the street. There was a discussion that this set-up may have been done to 3
increase visibility of some booths (and it was noted that this stretch of roadway was closed to vehicular traffic). The next resident s forum discussion was regarding the Greater Fort Lauderdale Alliance visiting Austin, Texas. The article discussing this noted that Austin residents are particularly proud of their City, and it was noted that residents here are as well. This was followed by a discussion on City/County responsibilities for monitoring graffiti and other maintenance issues. It was noted this occurs on both City and County levels, but there are different jurisdictions controlling roadways State [FDOT], County and local [City]. With respect to public providing comments on issues they see, there are mobile apps available to enter in the issue, take a photo, and the location is mapped using GPS technology. This information is then relayed to the jurisdiction in order to address any issues. It was mentioned that FDOT is conducting an open house on January 21 st, between 6 and 8PM, regarding the proposed future expansion of the WAVE streetcar south from phase 1, including traveling along SE 17 th Street. VII. NEW BUSINESS Bicycling & Pedestrian Advisory Committee Election/Reelection of Officers Mr. Henry Hochmair was unanimously selected as Chair (nominated by Mr. Dave Marshall, seconded by Mr. Art Seitz) for the upcoming year. Mr. Michael Kroll was unanimously selected as Vice Chair (nominated by Mr. Marshall, seconded by Mr. Kaplan) for the upcoming year. FDOT Projects Review Mr. Kevin Fischer distributed an updated FDOT project list, provided by Mr. Stewart Robertson, to the BPAC members. There was a discussion on the proposed bridge replacement project on NE 23 rd Avenue. Mr. Robertson noted that FDOT often times performs bridge replacement projects even when on nonstate roadways. Mr. Art Seitz noted that he has concerns with the Oakland Park Boulevard Bridge, particularly on the east side. He noted sidewalk and lighting issues he has experienced. Mr. Kroll asked if at the scope review phase (phases on the project list include Scope Review, Initial, Construction ability, and Bid ability) a consultant is under contract yet. Mr. Robertson said a consultant is generally not yet under contract at this phase; stakeholders and FDOT meet to review a proposed scope for an upcoming project (often up to a year in advance of a consultant starting designs). Mr. Robertson noted that he has worked with Lisa Mack, interim bicycle, pedestrian and complete streets FDOT District IV coordinator, to expand the project list to a twelve-month horizon, longer than the previous six-month horizons that were provided. Upon reviewing the list, BPAC members expressed 4
interest in additional information for the following projects: NE 23 rd Avenue Bridge Replacement I-95/Broward Boulevard Interchange Improvement I-95/Sunrise Boulevard Interchange Improvement I-75/Griffin Road Interchange Improvement Hillsboro Boulevard over the Florida Turnpike Bridge Rehabilitation SR 84 over the South Fork of the New River Bridge Rehabilitation (output of the scope review) Old Dixie Highway (NE 13 th Street to Middle River Bridge) Bike Lane/Sidewalk Project Dixie Highway/NE 4 th Avenue (Sunrise Boulevard to NE 20 th Street) Bike Lane/Sidewalk Project Las Olas Boulevard (Andrews Avenue to SE 15 th Avenue) Bike Lane/Sidewalk Project SE 3 rd Avenue (SE 17 th Street to SE 6 th Street) Bike Lane/Sidewalk Project SR A1A/Dania Beach Boulevard/Ocean Drive (US 1 to SR A1A) Bike Lane/Sidewalk Project BPAC members also requested information on FDOT s exception/waiver process with respect to not including bike lanes along Sunrise Boulevard in the vicinity of US 1 as part of the upcoming resurfacing project. Mr. Dave Marshall also stated that if a waiver was not required, why that decision was reached because the FDOT Plans Preparation Manual (PPM) requires bicycle lanes and they are not being provided. Mr. Seitz stated he is concerned with eastern Fort Lauderdale, particularly the bridges and pedestrian and bicycle connectivity and noted bicycle and pedestrian safety statistics for Fort Lauderdale. For projects that do not have a scope or plans developed, Mr. Marshall requested these projects be added to a monitoring list so that this information can be provided, when available. Mr. Marshall also suggested working with the new Chair, Mr. Henry Hochmair, to develop a process for reviewing plans (such as setting aside time during each meeting, using certain meetings to focus on plan review, etc.). Mr. Mark Horowitz noted that the notice to proceed for the design contract has been issued for the New River Greenway Bridge, near State Road 7. The survey, geotechnical and design work will be underway soon. A discussion ensued on greenway crossing at major intersections and how people are crossing (walking to nearest intersection, mid-block, etc.). An update will be given to the BPAC at a future meeting to discuss potential crossing-related solutions. Bicycle Month March 2016 Mr. Fischer distributed a list of upcoming events planned for Bicycle Month in March 2016 as well as a copy of last year s Bicycle Month Proclamation for BPAC input on suggested additional information to include this year. Mr. Horowitz discussed a bike rodeo planned for March 12, 2016 and requested volunteers. Mr. Seitz 5
suggested that this would be a good event for high school student to participate in. A volunteer sign-up list was distributed. Mr. Horowitz also discussed a traffic safety training session he will be conducting on February 27 th at the Margate Library. The training session qualifies individuals to conduct bike rodeos. VIII. OLD BUSINESS 2015 State of the County Report No update was discussed, Mr. Marshall and Mr. Fischer will coordinate on this item. At this time Mr. Seitz brought up two additional discussion items. He stated that the City of Fort Lauderdale Commission endorsed a north entrance to Birch State Park as well as funds for bike paths within the park. Ms. Christine Fanchi elaborated on this item and noted that the City partnered with the park to apply for a local initiatives grant through the Broward MPO (these grants are up to $1.5 million). In addition to the proposed bike paths, amenities including bike parking and showers will be integrated into the project. Mr. Seitz discussed an upcoming City of Fort Lauderdale Commission agenda item to approve an extension of the lease to 99 years for the city-owned Bahia Mar property. He discussed the proposed redevelopment at the site as well as a proposed 18 foot pedestrian path (promenade) on the south and north ends of the property and 20 feet on the west side. Mr. Seitz has been recommending these paths be 40 feet in width to adequately accommodate the public (consistent with the path width provided at the South Miami Beach Marina) as well as including more undeveloped space on the site to serve public uses. He discussed that the additional footage will also support the proposed future A1A Greenway through this area. Mr. Seitz stated that he attended the Fort Lauderdale Planning and Zoning public hearing to address his concerns. He then suggested a BPAC resolution to highlight concerns about the width of the pedestrian path and to recommend a 40 foot wide be provided. The committee determined that the proposed path is within the property boundary and not in a roadway. Therefore, the issue is a matter for a site plan review by the City of Fort Lauderdale. There was also discussion that the City Commission public hearing provides opportunity for public comment. IX. ADJOURN MOTION: The January 13 th, 2016 BPAC meeting was adjourned at 8:35PM. Disclosure: The above captioned Minutes are transcribed in a summary format. To hear the full meeting, a compact disk of the meeting, (Audio file #16-SC-05), can be provided after a 24 hour notice to the Document Control and Minutes Section at 954-357-7297. 6