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
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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
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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
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