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05-24-2000 Special Meeting• • • MIAMI SHORES VILLAGE SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING A Special Meeting of the Miami Shores Village Council was held on Wednesday, May 24, 2000 at the C. Lawton McCall Community Center commencing at 7:40 PM with the following members present: PRESENT: Mayor Ulmer Bob Blum Al Davis Steve Loffredo Mary Ross Agosta ALSO PRESENT: Tom Benton, Village Manager Barbara Fugazzi, Village Clerk CONSIDERATIONS 1) VILLAGE COUNCIL A) DISCUSSION REGARDING THE FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION'S PLANS FOR THE BISCAYNE BOULEVARD IMPROVEMENT PROJECT. Mayor Ulmer offered background information regarding the State's project and plans for Biscayne Boulevard. Mayor Ulmer dispelled some of the rumors and disputed some of the statements which have been circulating throughout the Village. For example, Mayor Ulmer stated that the barricades will not be removed, and that the surveyors who have been in the area are trying to determine the right-of-way boundaries. Mayor Ulmer stated that as directed by the Council, Mr. Benton had hired a traffic engineer to analyze the submitted plans and to provide informational data to the Council. Mayor Ulmer outlined the suggested format for the meeting and proceeded to introduce Mr. Y'ves d'Anjou from Tinter Associates. Mr. d'Anjou provided information regarding the DOT's plans, indicating that the old plans called for a 100' right-of-way corridor and the current plans call for a minimum 66' right-of-way corridor. Mr. d'Anjou reviewed the typical plan profile, explaining what the various markings on the plans relate to, i.e. green space (median), curb & gutter, sidewalks, etc. Mr. d'Anjou stated that the current plans call for the tightest cross section of roadway, and outlined the parameters for a Class 7 roadway in relation to spacing of median openings, etc. A lengthy discussion centered around the DOT's plans for a center median and its impact to the Village residents, including the proposed width of the median and proposed traffic lanes. Discussion also took place regarding the road closures and landscaping and the possibility was ot • • • raised as to whether or not FDOT would just resurface the roadway rather than make any "improvements". Mr. d'Anjou stated that FDOT's goal is to improve the level of service of the roadway and to move traffic more efficiently. Mayor Ulmer called for a recess at 8:40 PM and reconvened the meeting at 8:50 PM. Mayor Ulmer thanked for d'Anjou for his presentation and indicated that representatives from the Florida Department of Transportation were present and invited them to speak. Mr. Danny Iglesias, Senior Project Manager for FDOT came forward and introduced the various members of the FDOT project team. Mr. Iglesias provided information on the current roadway design. During this presentation, it was learned that FDOT, due to right-of-way boundaries, will not be installing a center median on the south section of the project. However, sufficient right-of-way is available north of 96th Street and therefore, FDOT continues to plan for a 20' center median in that section of the project. FDOT representatives indicated that in order to facilitate dedicated left turn lanes, the 20' median was necessary. Extensive discussion ensued between members of the FDOT team, Council Members, and residents, regarding this proposed plan. Following these discussions, Mayor Ulmer asked if Mr. Loffredo was prepared to make a motion. Mr. Loffredo read the following resolution into the record and moved to send the resolution to the Florida Department of Transportation. Being that Biscayne Boulevard passes through the heart of the Village of Miami Shores, any alterations to its design will impact the serenity of our Village and the quality of living and safety of its residents. Therefore, the Village Council and the residents of the Village of Miami Shores resolve to work with the Florida Department of Transportation to maintain the peaceful, residential environment of the Village within the common goal to improve the condition and safety of Biscayne Boulevard. To that end, the Village Council and the residents of the Village of Miami Shores request that any proposed changes to Biscayne Boulevard incorporate necessary safeguards to ensure the peace and safety of our homes, businesses, public spaces and places of worship. These necessary safeguards should also be incorporated into plans for a construction phase. These should include, but may not be limited to; no or only minor encroachment into the right of way separating homes from the Boulevard (no more than 2 5 feet East or West), no hindrance of North-South access to our businesses, public spaces or places of worship, and no significant decrease to the "green" barrier which shelters our residents from the noise and traffic of the Boulevard. Further, any proposal should provide the necessary funds to provide effective measures that will reduce the noise, visual or safety impacts of the proposed alterations, thus ensuring the serenity of our residents and community. Ms. Agosta seconded the motion. Mayor Ulmer opened the floor for Public Comment. Page 2 • • • Boris Moroz Mr. Moroz spoke about his concern regarding the business district at the south end of the Boulevard. T.F. Chambers Mr. Chambers asked if the Village might consider selling a portion of its property on the west side of the Boulevard in order to preserve the residential properties. Becky Martinez Ms. Martinez spoke about the median and her concerns that a median would encourage children to attempt to cross the busy roadway. Chris Sais Mr. Sais indicated that medians force u -turns and asked if FDOT had completed any safety studies or cost/benefit analysis. Mark Juanico Mr. Juanico stated his belief that there is nothing wrong with the current traffic flow or condition of the Boulevard. He stated that medians are not necessary. Alice Burch Ms. Burch spoke about the need for a cross walk and traffic signal at the Country Club/Aquatic Center. Ruben Vicente Mr. Vicente spoke about the need for traffic calming on the roadway and that it is more important to have landscaping between the road/sidewalk and the house rather than in the middle of the street. Maria Rodriguez Ms. Rodriguez spoke regarding children's safety if the roadway is five feet closer to the homes. Mayor Ulmer closed Public Comment. Individual Council Members briefly summarized their thoughts on the FDOT plans. Mr. Blum suggested the following minor amendment to Mr. Loffredo's proposed resolution:... These should include, but may not be limited to; no or only minor encroachment into the right of way, or additional use of the right of way separating homes from the Boulevard ... This amendment was accepted by Mr. Loffredo and Ms. Agosta. Mayor Ulmer called for the vote which was unanimous in favor. 2) ANNOUNCEMENTS The Clerk read the announcements. 3) PUBLIC COMMENTS Residents Mark Sais and James Dentico spoke about the FDOT plans and resident options. Page 3 1 4) COUNCIL COMMENTS Steve Loffredo Mr. Loffredo thanked the Council, Mr. d'Anjou and FDOT representatives for their attendance and presentations. Mary Agosta Ms. Agosta informed those in attendance that long-time resident, Ed Harrigan had fallen in his home and was presently in critical condition at the hospital. 5) ADJOURNMENT The Special Council Meeting of Wednesday, May 24, 2000 was adjourned at 10:05 PM 0 Barbara A. Fugazzi, CMC Village Clerk Page 4 • Mark S. Ulmer, Mayor