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HomeMy Public PortalAbout1999-05-25 Joint MeetingliS COUNCIL MINUTES JOINT WORKSHOP MEETING - MAY 25, 1999 A Workshop Meeting of the Bal Harbour Village Council and the Town of Bay Harbor Islands Council was held on Tuesday, May 25, 1999, in the Council Chambers at Bay Harbor Town Hall (9665 Bay Harbor Terrace). The meeting was called to order at 5:05 p.m. by Bay Harbor Islands Mayor Glick. Those present were: Also present: Mayor Andrew Hirsch! Councilman James Boggess Councilman Peg E. Gorson Councilman Sy Roth Mayor Thomas E. Glick Councilman Steven M. Brown Councilman Jay Meiselman Councilman Isaac Salver Councilman Edward M. Tavlin Councilwoman Linda Zilber Alfred J. Treppeda, Bal Harbour Village Manager Jeanette Horton, Bal Harbour Village Clerk Richard J. Weiss, Bal Harbour Village Attorney Linda Karlsson, Town of Bay Harbor Islands Manager Stanley Whitman, Bal Harbour Shops Kenneth Vorce, Traffic Engineer Absent: Assistant Mayor Daniel Tantleff, Bal Harbour Vice Mayor Yaffe, Bay Harbor As a quorum was determined to be present, the meeting commenced. 2. Discussion of 96t Street Traffic Problem! Mayor Glick noted that the purpose of the joint meeting was to discuss alternatives and a course of action regarding the traffic situation caused by the traffic problems and turn restrictions on 96th Street at Harding and Abbott Avenues in Surfside. He noted that since the issue affected both communities, they would try together in a spirit of cooperation to look for common goals; and in a collective effort try to move forward with a solution to the issue. Mayor Hirschl expressed the same sentiment and referred to Mr. Vorce's trafk study which had identified some differences from the report by the Florida Capartment of Transportation (FDOT). Ken Vorce, Vanasse, Hangen Brostlin, addressed the Councils and discussed the traffic studies that he conducted for both the cities. He stated that the findings indicated some minimal -cost potential improvements that could be present to FDOT in the hope that the agency may reassess its position established by the studies conducted prior to the ones done by his firm. The potential improvements he noted were: signal timing revisions at the intersections; reopening turn restrictions at the intersection on Abbot Avenue, and possible geometric improvements at the intersection of 96th Street and Harding Avenue. Mr. Vorce Council Joint Workshop Meeting with Bay Harbor Islands 05/25/99 1 13-9 felt that at this time the cost of a major capital improvement that would take buildings and right-of-ways, versus the benefits that would be gained by doing so, was not something he felt could be cost justified. He would not personally recommend that to FDOT without first investigating the less costly and perhaps more beneficial improvements of signal timings and traffic flow conversions. Councilman Meiselman noted that since the Town of Surfside had seemed unwilling to negotiate, that the only viable option without taking Surfside to court, would be to start the condemnation procedure on the corner and open 96th Street for a third lane. Mr. Vorce felt that, based on the data and traffic demand, in addition to his understanding of FDOT's position, that the possibility of that being a "priority type" improvement for the corridor was minimal. He did not think the cost justified the benefits. He pointed out that he had not presented the information he had put forth to FDOT on behalf of either city. Mayor Hirsch) commented on FDOT's plans for a drainage project on 96th Street due to flooding, which he did not feel was justified. He felt that maybe the two cities could approach FDOT and request that the funds allocated for the drainage project be re- allocated and used for condemning the property on the corner of Harding Avenue and 96th Street. The suggestion was well received by the members of the two Councils. It was noted that at previous meetings, Surfside Mayor Novack had been amenable to the idea. Richard Weiss, Bal Harbour Attorney, suggested that both Mayors meet with the District Secretary of FDOT and if there's not a favorable response at that level then other ways could be pursued; perhaps trying to get some relief in Tallahassee. Stanley Whitman, Bal Harbour Shops, addressed the Councils and stated in the early 1970's there had been some problems with traffic going through Surfside streets. After negotiations, an agreement had been reached by the three communities, Dade County, and Chase Federal Savings, whereby it was agreed to allow traffic to go onto Abbott Avenue. Mr. Whitman offered to contact FDOT to request that they shift the projects. The Councils discussed whether the proper process and necessary public notice had been followed for the diversion of traffic in Surfside. It was noted that although FDOT had notified Bal Harbour, they had not contacted Bay Harbor Islands. The issue of whose jurisdiction the installation of signs would fall under was also discussed. It was noted that any installation of signs would require the County's approval. The Councils requested that Mr. Vorce give an estimate to review and do an analysis of the process the Town of Surfside had gone through to get approval for those changes, and the process set by the Florida Administrative Code in terms of doing such a project. A consensus was reached that as a first step, the two Mayors meet with FDOT's District Director to present the various alternatives. Councilwoman Zilber wondered, in the meantime, if Abbott Avenue could be made one way going South instead of North (the lane going South on the commercial side and not on the side of the homes) to alleviate a lot of the traffic backups. Mayor Hirsch) pointed out that the goal was to find a solution that would benefit the three municipalities equally. Mr. Weiss suggested that both Mayor Hirsch) and Mayor Glick attend a Surfside Council Meeting and address their Council. However, as a first step maybe the three Mayors Council Joint Workshop Meeting with Bay Harbor Islands 05/25/99 2 120 should try to meet privately. It was the consensus of both Councils that Mavor Hirschl and Mavor Glick should try to meet with Surfside Mavor Novack. 3. Adiourn: There being no further business to come before the Councils, the meeting adjourned at 6:00 p.m. Mayor Andrew R. Hirschl Attest: anette Horton, CMC/AAE/CLO Village Clerk /elw Council Joint Workshop Meeting with Bay Harbor Islands 05/25/99 3