HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes Council 101100CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL MEETING, 10/11/2000
CITY OF PALM BEACH GARDENS
CITY COUNCIL
SPECIAL MEETING
October 11, 2000
The October 11, 2000, Special Meeting of the City Council of the City of Palm Beach Gardens,
Florida, was called to order at 7:10 P.M. in the Council Chambers of the Municipal Complex located
at 10500 North Military Trail, Palm Beach Gardens, Florida; and opened with the Pledge of
Allegiance to the Flag.
ROLL CALL: The Recording Secretary called the roll and the following elected officials were
found to be in attendance: Mayor Joseph R. Russo, Vice Mayor Eric Jablin, Councilmember David
Clark, Councilmember Lauren Furtado and Councilmember Carl Sabatello.
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Mayor Russo announced that the meeting scheduled for October 16 would be held in the Municipal
Center Council Chambers instead of at Burns Road as previously announced.
SPECIAL MEETING ISSUES:
Transportation - City Engineer Dan Clark introduced Dan Weisberg, Palm Beach County Engineer,
Maria M. Tej era, City Traffic Engineer, and Fred Schwartz, Kahart Pinder, and Yvonne Ziel, Traffic
Engineers for the development community, who had participated in this project. Mr. Clark explained
that the study area had included 70 roadway segments within the general boundaries of Donald Ross
Road, Northlake Boulevard, U.S. One, and Beeline Highway; however, tonight's discussion would
focus on the PGA Boulevard area. Abacoa and Bear's Club, as well as unidentified projects outside
the City were included because of their impact on the City traffic. Mr. Clark used The Isles as an
example to explain traffic distribution. Mr. Clark explained how to read the chart to determine
increased or decreased traffic on different segments of PGA Boulevard. Traffic analysis had been
based on 1999/2000 ADT counts for daily and average peak hour analyses as published by Palm
Beach County. Existing average annual daily traffic counts were presented along with historical
growth rates reported over the last three years from information provided by the County, and an area -
wide growth rate had been calculated for reference purposes. Future traffic projections had been
based on expected growth in background traffic over which there was no control, and traffic from
proposed development projects throughout the study area. Projects were classified as non -major
or unbuilt portions of major developments. Non -major projects were defined as projects whose trip
generation potential was not expected to exceed 7,000 daily trips, and 26 non -major projects were
identified and assigned a reference number. Eight major projects were identified and assigned
reference numbers. Traffic from major projects was assigned to area links, and only the impacts due
to the unbuilt portions of the Regional Center were included in the analysis. 80% of Abacoa Phase
H and all of Phase I were included. Background growth rates were applied to account for future
traffic from other projects and changes in travel patterns. Adjustments were made to traffic
projections on PGA Boulevard east of Military Trail and other impacted segments to reflect the
effect of traffic diverted to roadways not presently in the network, including linkage roads on the
City's plan and the Hood Road extension east of Alternate AlA. A model obtained from MPO had
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been run under two scenarios, one established as a base which did not include any linkage roads
planned for the City and the other with the base scenario modified to include the new linkage
roadways shown on the City's plan and 4 lanes on Burns Road. The two scenarios were then
compared. Total future traffic was then projected by adding background growth and cumulative
impacts from non -major and major projects to the existing AADT on area links, and the relative
performance of the links and the potential need for CRALLS designations was evaluated. Extended
analyses were also performed to evaluate future traffic conditions in 2010 from continued
development of Abacoa and half of the Brigger project and in 2015 from the completion of those two
projects. The total traffic volumes for 2007, 2010, and 2015 were compared to the level of service
standard to determine the potential need for CRALLS designations. Councilmember Furtado
requested numbers based on the widening of RCA Boulevard, because that road would take more
traffic off PGA Boulevard, and Mr. Clark indicated that issue would be revisited. Councilwoman
Furtado expressed her opinion that any known development that would impact PGA Boulevard
traffic should be included. The number of lanes on Prosperity Farms Road was discussed.
Comparison with County figures transmitted to DCA to the results of this study was shown.
Councilmember Sabatello expressed his opinion that the Brigger project should not be included, but
addressed when that development was underway. The interchange at I -95 and Donald Ross was to
be included in another scenario for the year 2015. The impact of I -95 traffic was discussed, and Mr.
Clark noted no figures had been generated based on the additional lanes to be added to I -95.
Councilwoman Furtado noted the additional lanes would be added in approximately 2004.
Discussion ensued regarding that because of dealing with conservative numbers, additional impacts
would only make it better. Principal Planner Steve Cramer explained that PGA Boulevard levels of
service were established by the County based on DOT standards, and the County had considered the
City's request for a CRALLS designation on PGA Boulevard. This hearing was the City's response
to the County to be considered in their response to comments as requested by DCA, and although
the County did not have to consider the City's recommendation for a comprehensive plan
amendment, they were expected do so. Councilwoman Furtado commented localized public
transportation must not be forgotten. Mr. Cramer clarified for Councilman Sabatello that if the
County accepted the City's recommendation PGA Boulevard would be six lanes, or if they did not,
they would widen it to eight lanes, which would mean the same number of trips would be on the road
but traffic would flow faster. Discussion ensued. Roads would be improved as developments were
constructed so that while trips would be added, the additional roadways could accommodate some
of the traffic. Mayor Russo questioned Mr. Cramer whether the only option was either to 8 -lane
PGA Boulevard or to allow the CRALLS, which Mr. Cramer verified. Mr. Clark explained the
numbers were where they were because linkages had been included so that moving forward those
must be included, and advised that the areas around RCA Boulevard and Prosperity Farms Road
could be redone by Monday, when the meeting with the County was scheduled; and that the area
around I -95 could not be redone by that time but that it would probably make no difference. The
consensus of the City Council was preference for six lanes; however, Mayor Russo wanted to see
the number of trips lowered. Councilman Sabatello requested further study on areas where numbers
did not change but where quality of life was impacted because of the time required, such as the on-
off ramps to I -95 at PGA Boulevard. Charles Hathaway commented the revenue must be considered
and someone else must not be allowed to add traffic so parcels could not be developed and there
would be no way of getting additional revenue except heavy taxation. Yvonne Ziel stated she was
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not speaking on behalf of her clients, and commented that the current CRALLS was an agreement
between the City and County which stemmed from the Hood Road bridge being eliminated and was
available to everyone, but the new CRALLS was to take the place of the old CRALLS. Ms. Ziel
recommended that the new CRALLS be established as a separate designation instead of replacing
the current CRALLS, so that additions to existing projects would not be restricted. Discussion
ensued. Dan Catalfumo advised there would be additional trips available for small businesses, since
trips for some developments were captured at 100 %, which would not be completely utilized. City
Engineer Clark recommended action taken by the City Council include a suggestion that the
CRALLS numbers not be tied to the forbearance properties, which would cover all bases. Nancy
Graham, WCI, objected. Direction to staff was to work out the situation for mom and pop
businesses and not put the forbearance agreement developers in a bad position. Attorney John Gary
commented that the CRALLS submitted by the County contained a provision that stated the City had
to adopt the linkage plan and had to have guaranteed construction, which was troubling and must be
worked out. Mr. Gary noted that the chart of proposed development made up by the developers
would generate approximately $38 million in County impact fees in today's pricing, which did not
take into consideration any road impact fees to the City; however, in order to collect those impact
fees the CRALLS designation must take place so the development could take place. Burns Road was
discussed. Mr. Gary stated his understanding that the first road impact fees would pay off Burns
Road improvements; then the money would be used to pay people who had given land and developed
the linkages; and stated that the development community did have a problem with Burns Road being
tied into the CRALLS. Mayor Russo explained that the County's numbers transmitted to DCA were
nowhere close to the numbers that needed to be adopted in order to have a CRALLS designation for
PGA Boulevard that would work for everyone, and the meeting scheduled for Monday with the
County was to discuss this and to find out if the County staff would recommend changing their
Comprehensive Plan numbers to match those of the City. Councilmember Sabatello expressed
concern that the County needed to recognize all the planning and work that had gone into this whole
study and plan for development for the next fifteen years. Councilmember Furtado commented plans
for the North County Traffic Planning Forum needed to be moved forward. Another item brought
up was that another city could challenge the proposed CRALLS. Councilwoman Furtado noted the
Donald Ross Road Bridge was paid for by road impact fees and gas tax dollars, so that Jupiter did
not have to pay anything, and yet the City had received no money for the flyover. Mr. Cramer
advised that the Transportation Forum was to be held in mid - November.
Canal Report - Mayor Russo questioned why this report had been done and if there were any other
studies being done. Mr. Cramer responded there were no other outstanding studies. Councilmember
Furtado commented there had been a discussion during budget time regarding how to factor in canal
work, and expressed concern that the funding be done properly. Vice Mayor Jablin favored a
stormwater utility to fund such types of maintenance projects. Equity between newer and older
communities in funding for stormwater utility maintenance was discussed. Councilman Sabatello
noted that this report could be the basis to establish true timelines for the work, and to look at hiring
consultants to alleviate the burden on Public Works. The City Engineer noted that next year's
budget would probably not allow for contracted work. Mayor Russo requested that the City
Engineer provide an update at the next meeting showing what had happened during the past six
months and what was planned for the next year, as well as the amount of money in the budget.
Councilman Clark commented this project should be made a high priority for Public Works, and
CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL MEETING, 10/11/2000 4
commented that the length of time necessary for dewatering needed to be relayed to the residents.
Councilwoman Furtado requested a cost analysis and commented a report had been requested on
equipment use. Councilwoman Furtado suggested it might be an advantage economically to sell a
large piece of equipment which cost approximately $198,000 and was really too large for the work
areas, and then lease a smaller piece of equipment when it was needed. Direction was for staff to
provide a report on the capacity of Public Works, what was being done, whether some machinery
was not needed, etc.
The City Manager commented he would appreciate an opportunity to research this issue and provide
data.
ADJOURNMENT: There being no further business to discuss, upon motion by Councilman Clark,
seconded by Councilwoman Furtado, carried 5 -0, the meeting was adjourned at 9:15 p.m.
APPROVAL:
ATTEST:
CAROL GOL
CITY CLERK
CHAIRMAN PRO TEM CARL SABATELLO
COUNCILMAN DAVID CLARK
COUNCILWOMAN LAUREN FURTADO