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HomeMy WebLinkAboutReso 2008-1261 RESOLUTION NO. 2008- I~ 1-1 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF SUNNY ISLES BEACH, FLORIDA, PROVIDING THE CITY MANAGER WITH THE AUTHORITY TO PROCEED WITH THE DESIGN OF A TWO-LANE BRIDGE; AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXPEND THE MONEY NEEDED FOR A FEASIBILITY STUDY; CALLING FOR A LOCAL PLANNING AGENCY MEETING ON AUGUST 21, 2008 TO DISCUSS AMENDING THE CITY'S COMPREHENSIVE PLAN TO PROVIDE FOR A FULL-TIME VEHICULARlPEDESTRIAN BRIDGE; AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO TAKE ANY AND ALL ACTION NECESSARY TO EFFECTUATE THE TERMS OF THIS RESOLUTION; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. WHEREAS, the City's Comprehensive Plan sets forth specific transportation goals for the City to improve the safety and efficiency of roadway systems through transportation system management techniques; and WHEREAS, the City's Comprehensive Plan requires the City to improve the consistency of the transportation network with the future land use patterns within the City; and WHEREAS, the City's Comprehensive Plan requires the City to reduce the time period required to complete the evacuation of residents from the City in the event of a hurricane; and WHEREAS, the City Commission finds that it is the public interest to amend the City's Comprehensive Plan to provide for a full-time vehicular/pedestrian bridge instead of an emergency vehicular bridge to expedite the evacuation of residents from the City in case of a natural disaster like a hurricane. NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF SUNNY ISLES BEACH, FLORIDA, AS FOLLOWS: Section 1. Incorporation of Recitals. The foregoing recital paragraphs are hereby ratified and confirmed as being true and the same are hereby made part of this Resolution. Section 2. Authority of the City Manager. The City Commission hereby provides the City Manager with the authority to proceed with the design of a two-lane bridge, and to expend the money needed for a feasibility study. Section 3. Local Planning Agency. The City Commission hereby requests the City Clerk to schedule a meeting of the Local Planning Agency to be held on August 21, 2008 at 5 :30 p.m. if the feasibility study is ready, if not, it will be scheduled in September to discuss amending the City's Comprehensive Plan to provide for a full-time vehicular/pedestrian bridge. Resolution No. 200S- Vehicle/Pedestrian Bridge Page 1 of 2 Section 4. Authorization of City Manager. The City Manager is hereby authorized to do all things necessary to effectuate the terms of this Resolution. Section 5. Effective Date. This Resolution will become effective upon adoption. PASSED AND ADOPTED this 15th day of May 2008. ~. ".. 1tJ;~ Jane A. Hines, Crv1C, City Clerk Moved by: CoW\W\\S~I()IJct.le. Sc.J\-t)LL Seconded by: CnM"'Nr'i <;,.t~N~ ts~~2.' N Vote as Follows: 5-b Mayor Edelcup Vice Mayor Thaler Commissioner Brezin Commissioner Goodman Commissioner Scholl v (Yes) V(Y es) V (Yes) 0Yes) (Yes) _(No) _(No) _(No) _(No) _(No) Resolution No. 2008- Vehide/Pedestrian Bridge Page 2 of 2 m :2: CD ;:;:< :TO) $:~ o 0 ~ :J (') 0 <...., (0-1 ~'< ~l:J ro -. :J C1 Cf)0) @(J) ::::Jl:J rn 0) :J z Cf)o c~ 5::J'" '<OJ (j) Q) rn,< ro;o CD 0 ~ 0) ~::r 0. 11 OJ o ..., ..... -. nO. ro(C CD ~u [III! .If ~ r J' / City of Sunny Isles Beach 18070 Collins Avenue Sunny Isles Beach, Florida 33160 (305) 947-0606 City Hall (305) 949-3 II 3 Fax (305) 947-2150 Building Department (305) 947-5107 Fax City Commission Norman S. Edelcup, Mayor Lewis ,I. Thaler, Vice Mayor Roslyn Brezin, Commissioner Gerry Goodman, Commissioner George "Bud" Scholl, Commissioner A. ,John Szerlag, City Manager Hans Ottinot, City Allorney .Jane A. Hines. City Clerk MEMORANDUM TO: The Honorable City Commission FROM: A. John Szerlag, City Manager DATE: May 14, 2008 RE: VehicularlPedestrian Bridge Discussion Meeting with Winston Towers Residents on May 12, 2008 Chief Fred Maas, Consultant Engineer Edwin Mojena, and I met with the Winston Towers Board of Presidents and about two hundred (200) residents to discuss the above-referenced item. My preamble to this meeting was to indicate the need for a bridge on a full-time basis and that if the City Commission agrees with me, they will adopt a resolution at the May 15 City Commission meeting, calling for a public hearing on June 19,2008, to consider an amendment to the City's Comprehensive Plan. Specifically, the public hearing will be to consider providing for a full-time vehicular/pedestrian bridge, as opposed to a pedestrian bridge with emergency vehicular access. The next hour and a half was spent with Chief Maas, Engineer Mojena and me listening to comments and answering questions. Succinctly, I estimate that over 95% of all those in attendance wanted things left the way they are. This means no full-time vehicular bridge with pedestrian access; no pedestrian bridge with emergency vehicle access; and no pedestrian bridge. Following are some comments/questions that encompass the flavor of this meeting: 1. We do not incur enough catastrophic incidents that warrant a bridge in the neighborhood. Fire Rescue and police have never been unable to get to an emergency and no loss of life has been endured as a result. If need be, emergency vehicles can go the wrong way on Collins A venue or on the sidewalks. 2. It would be safer for school buses to traverse Collins A venue as opposed to taking local streets to get to our new school. It is also okay to have children walk along Collins A venue as opposed to areas within the local traffic network. 3. It will reduce property values as there are concerns about noise, pollution, exhaust, and aesthetics. 4. It will increase traffic on the local network and will be used not only by local residents, but mostly by those wishing to avoid Collins A venue. Commission - j\!tg With Winston Towers Residents OS-OR i\!emo Final The Honorable City Commission May 14, 2008 Page 2 5. The traffic congestion on Collins A venue is caused by development, with lane closures reducing lanes, and not by emergencies as these are few and far between. When development is completed, traffic will return to a normal flow. The issue is about getting grant funding and that is why there is a "perceived" need for a full-time bridge. 6. The serpentine design of the bridge will induce accidents even at low speeds. 7. Congestion is up on Collins A venue, yet fatalities are down; therefore, there is no need for a bridge. 8. High-rise condominiums east of Collins A venue cause these problems because there IS no transportation plan. 9. Need to be assured that construction of this bridge will not have a negative impact on the ecology of the canal. In addition, two (2) economic issues where raised. Mr. Jack Cohen indicated that if the City were to purchase properties currently in foreclosure, directly north from the Porto Bellagio easement, this may be more acceptable to the Winston Towers residents, as the City could then have a straight line bridge and can possibly build a community center on the remnant parcel with the center being used by Winston Towers Residents. Additionally, a Board Member stated that as a barge will not be able to traverse under the proposed bridge, the City needs to address the issue of repairing the seawall. Our Consultant Engineer will work on the issues that were raised relative to noise pollution, hydrocarbon emissions, ecology of the canal, safety design features of the serpentine configuration, how traffic calming devices can pretty much ensure that this bridge will be used mostly by area residents, and accessible for seawall repair. In addition, I am offering a revised resolution which is more focused. I am asking for the authority to commence the process of amending the City's Comprehensive Plan to provide for a full-time vehicular/pedestrian bridge. I know this is not a popular recommendation, but my job is not to be popular; it is to protect the life and property within the corporate limits of Sunny Isles Beach. And, if the ability to enter and leave a typical urban neighborhood is not a life safety issue, then I don't know what is. AJS/iw/pw Attachment cc: Fred Maas, Chief of Police Hans Ottinot, City Attorney Ramon Soria, Marlin Engineering Edwin Mojena, Marlin Engineering Jack Luft, Luft Consulting, Inc. Jack Cohen, Winston Towers Commission - Mtg with Winston Towers Residents 05-08 Memo Final To: From: Date: Re: City of Sunny Isles Beach 18070 Collins Avenue Sunny Isles Beach, Florida 33160 City Commission Norman S. Edelcup, Mayor Lewis J. Thaler, Vice Mayor Roslyn Brezin, Commissioner Gerry Goodman, Commissioner George "Bud" Scholl, Commissioner (305) 947-0606 City Hall (305) 792-1565 Fax (305) 947-2150 Building Department A. John Szerlag, City Manager Hans Ottinot, City Allorney Jane A. Hines, City Clerk MEMORANDUM A. John Szerlag, City Manager . Jorge L. Vera, Assistant City Manager Service DiViSi~ May 14,2008 172nd Street Neighborhood Meeting (porto Bellagio On May 13, 2008 at 7:00 PM there was an information meeting held at Porto Bellagio Condominium to discuss the proposed bridge connecting 172 and 174 street. Attending the meeting from the City were Hans Ottinot, Fernando Amuchastequi and myself. In the audience there were representatives from Porto Bellagio and Plaza of the Americas. It was their understanding that easement for the bridge was for emergency/pedestrian use only. The public was upset that they never were made aware that the City desired to change the bridge for permanent travel, and that no proper notice was given them regarding this matter. They felt that the properties being affected by the bridge were not able to provide their concerns prior to beginning the design of the bridge. They were not satisfied with the explanation given to them and also on a prior meeting the attended the day before at Winston Towers, to make this a fully operational bridge They felt that making the bridge fully operational it would create a traffic nightmare for the residents living along North Bay Road, as it would create another avenue for traffic to cut thru the City, thereby endangering the residents and children in the area Again they emphasize, that if a bridge was to be constructed by the City at all, them the City should construct a pedestrian/emergency bridge. They were 100% opposed to the bridge for permanent operational. Staff explained that in the upcoming meeting the City Commission would consider the City Manager's recommendation to make the necessary corrections to the City's Comprehensive Master Plan. We eXplained if the Commission decided to go that route then there would be two other public hearings in which the public could voice their opinions. The City Attorney also explained to the public the power of eminent domain that the City has in the event that the City proceeds in constructing a full time bridge. CC: H. Ottinot, City Attorney F. Amuchastequi, Assistant City Attorney City of Sunny Isles Beach 18070 Collins Avenue Sunny Isles Beach, Florida 33160 (305) 947-0606 City Hall (305) 949-3 I I 3 Fax (305) 947-2150 Building Department (305) 947 -5\ 07 Fax City Commission Norman S. Edelcup, Mayor Lewis J. Thaler, Vice Mayor Roslyn Brezin, Commissioner Gerry Goodman, Commissioner George "Bud" Scholl, Commissioner A. John Szerlag, City Manager Hans Ottinot, City Attorney Jane A. Hines, City Clerk MEMORANDUM FROM: A. John Szerlag, City Mana TO: The Honorable City Commi DATE: May 15,2008 RE: Necessity to Construct Permanent Vehicular Bridge with Pedestrian Access Over Canal at North Bay Road RECOMMENDATION It is recommended that the City Commission consider the attached resolution establishing the necessity to construct a permanent vehicular bridge with pedestrian access over the canal at North Bay Road. REASONS As City Manager, my primary function is the protection of life and property within the corporate limits of Sunny Isles Beach. My recommendation to construct a permanent vehicular bridge with pedestrian access over the canal at North Bay road is in-line with this charge. As you know, Collins Avenue is our only north/south route, and it is much more than an inconvenience to the motoring public when we experience severe traffic backups on that street. It is a matter that affects the health and safety of each and everyone of our residents and the numerous visitors that traverse through our city, as it precludes our police department from being able to respond to life and/or death situations in a timely manner. And, if we cannot respond, neither can fire rescue nor an ambulance. As I would like to give you a sense of scale on this matter, the police department was instructed to ascertain from Miami-Dade Fire Rescue the number of alarm runs made for sick or injured persons in Sunny Isles Beach from May 1, 2006 through May I, 2008. The answer is four thousand five hundred eighteen (4,518), and this does not include private ambulance runs. This is a very high number, and on average equates to over six (6) runs per day or about one (1) run every three (3) hours and forty-five (45) minutes on a continuing twenty-four (24) hours per day, seven (7) days per week basis. Date loA S-IS-()<l Commission - Necessity To Construct Permanent Bridge W Pedestrian Access Memo2 Agenda Item The Honorable City Commission May 15, 2008 Page 2 I believe the case has been made to construct this vehicular bridge. Now, let me indicate why it should remain open as a vehicular bridge on a permanent basis. 1. Linking the two severed segments of North Bay Road with the bridge will provide alternative vehicular access, essentially for residents living west of Collins A venue and south of 183rd Street. Thus, this bridge will primarily serve local residents of the City. 2. The physical constraints of the North Bay Road connection will restrict the function of this road so that it operates as a local street and not a major thoroughfare. The bridge will in no way replace Collins Avenue as the preferred route because of its reduced travel speed and the installation of traffic calming devices on 172nd and 174th Streets. 3. The bridge will be a preferred and safer route for schoolchildren being bused or driven by their parents, when compared to Collins A venue. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Should you agree with this recommendation, then you may adopt the attached resolution which contains the following elements. I. The focus has changed from a pedestrian bridge with emergency access to a permanent vehicular/pedestrian bridge. 2. The bridge will still incorporate pedestrian amenities such as a bicycle/walkway area protected by railings, lighting, and other architectural features. 3. The City Manager is authorized to construct this bridge, purchase any required right-of- ways, and construct/install traffic calming devices on 172nd and 174th Streets, which may include but is not limited to traffic circles, speed humps, signage, traffic signalization, and prohibition of large trucks excluding school buses. 4. The City Commission will schedule a public hearing in the near future for reason of amending the Comprehensive Plan to allow for a permanent vehicular/pedestrian bridge that spans the canal at North Bay road. AJS/iw/pw Attachment cc: Ramon Soria, Marlin Engineering Edwin Mojena, Marlin Engineering Hesham R. Elbadrawi, Marlin Engineering SUNNY ISLES BEACH POLICE DEPARTMENT MEMORANDUM To: The Honorable City Commission and City Manager Fr~~aas Date: May 15,2008 Subject: Vehicular Bridge Support of Position The position of City Manager, John Szerlag, in reference to construction of a permanent, vehicular bridge with pedestrian access is supported by the Police Department and its Chief of Police. The infrastructure of the interior roadways are insufficient and antiquated to the point that they are not capable of handling the diverted traffic off of Collins Avenue when that roadway is mandatorily shut down due to emergency. Insofar as there is no other north/south route connecting the city it is impossible for emergency vehicles to respond in a timely manner to locations in the city when Collins Avenue is shut down or has limited lanes open. Collins Avenue is additionally impacted by high volume because local residents in many cases must travel that thoroughfare to reach their destination, regardless of how short a distance, since there is no alternative north/south route. It is our position that an alternative for the local residents and in time of emergency or disaster on Collins Avenue that an alternative north/south thoroughfare will not only save lives but be effective in traffic control. <ih('lln.l'] 11l\,j".' I",,,kra l'h,d'\Ia",20111< \kmoSurP"" Bfld!,\.:d,,,, Luft Consulting) Inc. .~~_.~ __.. '.3..._ ,~" ~. .....~ :;:,i~~,~~ ,. ....-A'i. .~i ~\ .', . ,\l .,,\,.~ It ...~ . ~'ff.'" ..~lt ~.. .\.'~,. ' . .. Urban Flanning & Design May 7, 2008 Mr. John Szerlag City Manager City of Sunny Isles Beach 18070 Collins Avenue Sunny Isles Beach, Florida 33160 Re: Vehicular Bridge Dear Mr. Szerlag, I have reviewed your memorandum of March 25, 2008 regarding the recommendation to construct a vehicular bridge over the canal at North Bay Road and offer the following comments. This issue was discussed and debated at length during the community workshops conducted for the preparation of the 2000 Comprehensive Plan prepared by this office. My initial recommendation as the planner engaged to prepare the plan was for a new vehicular bridge connecting the segments of North Bay Road north and south of the canal at 1nnd Street to be built. This recommendation was based on several factors: 1. The only north-south roadway linking neighborhoods north of 183rd Street to the central neighborhoods south of 183rd Street and those south of 1 nnd Street and south of Sunny Isles Beach Boulevard is Collins Avenue (SR AlA). The traffic segments of AlA between the south City limits and 183rd Street were operating in 1997 at levels of service E, one level above failing (F). This was before the construction in the past decade of almost 10,000 new housing units, most of them abutting Collins Avenue. The recommendation to link the two severed segments of North Bay Road with a bridge was to provide alternative vehicular access to Sunny Isles Beach Boulevard and the mainland to the west for residents living west of Collins Avenue and south of 183rd Street. 2. The neighborhood between the canal at 172nd Street and 183rd Street has no direct access to either of the two hurricane evacuation routes on Lehman Causeway and Sunny Isles Beach Boulevard except through Collins Avenue. In the event of storm surge preceding a hurricane, beach wash of sand and debris can easily block Collins Avenue, as has occurred in the past in communities to the north and south. Blockage of Collins would trap residents within and block emergency vehicle access to this neighborhood. 3. The increasing incidences of vehicular traffic gridlock on Collins Avenue due to peak hour congestion, special events, accidents and emergency roadway and utility repair work has created significant periods during which police, emergency fire/rescue and medical evacuation vehicle access to the central area neighborhoods between 163rd Street and 183rd Streets are effectively blocked endangering residents lives and property during those times. 17 17 Windward Walj, SanibelJsland, Fla, ))957 Fh2)9-)95-2215 Fax2)9-)95-1787 jIIuft@earthlink.net Luh Consulting) Inc. 2 4. The routine functioning of transit services including local shuttle buses and school buses is increasingly jeopardized as unforeseen delays due to congestion on Collins Avenue disrupts the regular and timely service expected of these carriers which effectively discourages public use. To the extent that public transit services are compromised, residents and visitors are induced to rely on greater use of private automobiles which in turn aggravates the congestion. The concerns of central neighborhood residents that opening another north-south route along North Bay Road into and out of these neighborhoods would create increased traffic, noise and hazards led to the modification of the plan language to provide a bridge for only bicycles and pedestrians. I believe this concern overstates the potential for traffic increases that would be noticeable primarily because North Bay Road effectively ends at 183rd Street where private property blocks access to the north and at Sunny Isles Beach Boulevard on the south making the 3/4 mile length of North Bay Road too short to provide a through traffic alternative to Collins Avenue. The number of internal vehicular trips added to North Bay Road from local residents would be even less than the typical one-mile square urban neighborhood with collector streets bisecting it (Greater Miami is laid out on a section line grid of arterial roadways spaced one mile apart). This typical urban neighborhood has proven to be a stable and acceptable environment for local traffic movements consistent with safety and peaceable residential living conditions. The central neighborhoods of Sunny Isles Beach have effectively no east west traffic, unlike most urban neighborhoods on a grid street layout and thus would have even less basis for concern about traffic intrusions. Any traffic intrusion issues that might arise, however, can be effectively dealt with through modest traffic calming measures. On balance, the first priority of local government is always to protect life and property and secondarily to maintain quality of life. The addition of a connector bridge on North Bay Road would offer substantial enhancements to the protection of resident's health and welfare as well as mitigation of growing inconveniences of traffic delays through the use of an alternative access route. With the growth of the City and surrounding areas and consequent increasing burdens on Collins Avenue traffic conditions, the recommendation to provide alternative access and egress for central neighborhood residents is timely and of vital importance. I am in full support of your efforts. Very truly, Jack Luft