MINUTES OF THE SPECIAL JOINT MEETING OF THE SARASOTA CITY COMMISSION AND THE TOWN COMMISSION OF LONGBOAT KEY OF JUNE 13, 2019 PRESENT: Sarasota City Commission: Mayor Liz Alpert, Vice Mayor Jen Ahearn-Koch, Commissioners Hagen Brody, Shelli Freeland Eddie, and Willie Charles Shaw; City Manager Thomas Barwin, Deputy City Manager Marlon Brown; Interim City Auditor and Clerk Shayla Griggs, and City Attorney Robert Fournier Longboat Key (LBK) Town Commission: Town Mayor George Spoll, Town Vice Mayor Ed Zunz, Town Commissioners Randy Clair, Jack Daly, Mike Haycock, Irwin Pastor, and Ken Schneier, Town Manager Thomas Harmer, Town Clerk Trish Shinkle, Deputy Town Clerk Savannah Schield, and Town Attorney Maggie Mooney ABSENT: Sarasota City Commission: None Longboat Key (LBK) Town Commission: None CALL MEETING TO ORDER: LBK Town Mayor Spoll at 3:00 P.M. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: LBK Town Vice Mayor Ed Zunz 1. CITIZENS' INPUT: LBK Town Mayor Spoll read the Town of Longboat Key Pledge of Public Conduct into the record. No one signed up to speak. 2. AGENDA ITEMS: 1. PRESENTATION AND DISCUSSION RE: UPDATE ON THE BAY PARK CONSERVANCY MASTER PLAN AND PHASE I FOR THE BAY PARK (AGENDA ITEM I-1) AG Lafley, Startup CEO, The Bay Park Conservancy (BPC), Inc., came before the City and Longboat Key (LBK) Town Commissions presented and referred to a PowerPoint presentation entitled The Bay Park Conservancy" displayed on a projection screen and flat screen television. Deputy City Manager Marlon Brown, City Manager's Office, came before the City and LBK Town Commissions and stated that a copy of the "Partnership Agreement between the City and The BPC" is included in the Agenda backup material. Questions were posed by the LBK Town Commission and addressed by Mr. Lafley. In response to a question from LBK Commissioner Daly asking for specifics regarding the proposed elevated pedestrian overpass over U.S. 41 during Phase 1 and other areas in later phases, Mr. Lafley stated that there is no provision for an elevated overpass in Phase 1; that BPC has agreed with the City and Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) to await the results of a number of Traffic and Pedestrian Studies, and an on-going Parking Study before moving forward with a pedestrian overpass. LBK Commissioner Daly stated that the LBK Town Commission has advocated for elevated walkways for the U.S. 41 Corridor which should strongly be considered; however, the concern is to accommodate and remediate the flow of traffic. In response to a question from LBK Commissioner Schneier about connectivity directly across from Sarasota Bay to LBK, Mr. Lafley stated that a number of studies have been reviewed and discussed Book 66 Page 38056 06/13/19 3:00 P.M. Book 66 Page 38057 06/13/19 3:00 P.M. with a number of groups interested in providing Water Taxi services; that with the design of a boat rampi they are prepared to receive Water Taxis or ferries of a certain size, and City Manager Barwin stated that connectivity will be addressed in Agenda Item 1.2, Sarasota Downtown Transportation Projects and U.S. 41 and Gulfstream Avenue Stormwater Project. Vice Mayor Ahearn-Koch stated that the long-term vision is for The Bay to be accessible by other modes of transportation, such as bicycling and walkability, and Mr. Lafley stated that this is a complex puzzle with many moving parts, which The Bay is trying to resolve. LBK Town Mayor Spoll thanked Mr. Lafley for the presentation on behalf of the City and Town of Longboat Key Commissions. 2. PRESENTATION RE: CITY OF SARASOTA TRANSPORTATION PROJECT UPDATE (AGENDA ITEM II-2) AND 3. REPORT RE: US 41 GULF STREAM STORMWATER/FLOODING RELATED PROJECT UPDATE (AGENDA ITEM II-3) General Manager Ryan Chapdelain, Chief Transportation Planner Colleen McGue, Planning Department, and Assistant City Engineer Daniel "Dan" Ohrenstein, Engineering, PublicWorks (PW) Department, came before the City and Town of Longboat Key (LBK) Town Commissions. Ms. McGue presented and referred to a PowerPoint presentation entitled "City of Sarasota Transportation Project Update" displayed on a projection screen and flat screen television. Mr. Ohrenstein presented and referred to a PowerPoint slide entitled "U.S. 41/Gulf Stream Stormwater Update." Ms. McGue referred to a slide entitled "Citywide Transportation Master Plan" and briefly discussed "Sarasota in Motion,' 1 in the City's Transportation Master Plan (Master Plan). Ms. McGue referred to a slide entitled Water Taxi Feasibility Study." City Manager Barwin stated that the hope is to have a location in LBK as related to the implementation of Water Taxis which could prove to be financially feasible and help to alleviate traffic; that the goal is to have a collaborative effort between the City and LBK. Commissioner Freeland Eddie stated there may be an opportunity for collaboration with the Barrier Island Traffic Study (BITS). Questions were posed by the City and LBK Commissions and addressed by City Staff. In response to a comment from LBK Town Mayor Spoll that a Water Taxi service is unfavored due to LBK not having an internal method for parking; however, a Ferry service has more advantages, Ms. McGue stated that the Palm Avenue and State Street Parking Garages, as well as parking at Marina Jack, would be available. Mayor Alpert stated that LBK could consider implementing a Ride Share service, such as the Gotcha Group (i-Ride Micro-Transit System) to assist with transportation to and from the docks, should water taxis be implemented. In response to a question from LBK Commissioner Pastor, asking if a traffic circle has been considered at Ken Thompson Parkway to assist with traffic mitigation, Ms. McGue stated a roundabout at this location has been considered; however, the results determined there is not enough space to implement a roundabout; that a recommendation came forward to implement a right-turn traffic lane to mitigate traffic congestion. LBK Commissioner Daly stated that LBK has voiced many concerns regarding the U.S. 41 and Gulf Stream Avenue roundabout; that a consultant was hired to reevaluate the Florida Department of Transportation's (FDOT) study, which found the configuration for population growth used by FDOT was a .5 % increase; however, the growth of Sarasota, Florida is double; that the hope is the City can assist with advocating on behalf of LBK to convey this to FDOT, particularly during peak traffic flow. Deputy City Manager Marlon Brown, City Manager's Office, came before the City and LBK Town Commissions and stated that FDOT's study showed a minuscule reduction of congestion; however, pedestrian and bicyclist safety will significantly increase with a roundabout at U.S. 41 and Gulf Stream Avenue. City Manager Barwin stated that extreme density limitations exist on LBK and the City has not experienced significant population growth; that the real relief to be discussed is U.S. 41 and how to move people through cities; that pedestrian safety, as well as the 200,000 cyclists, must be considered, with the expected buildout of the Legacy Trail. In response to LBK Town Vice Mayor Zunz about a "Plan B" as the result of implementing the roundabout traffic worsens, City Manager Barwin stated that a three-lane roundabout will be installed to accommodate traffic. In response to a comment from LBK Commissioner Daly that this is a unique and major roundabout and a main Hurricane Evacuation Route, Mr. Chapdelain stated that because this is a Hurricane Evacuation Route, not having a signalized intersection but a roundabout will allow for traffic to flow in the event of a storm causing the signal to fail due to a power outage, is an additional benefit. Mayor Alpert stated that the belief is the roundabout is going to have markings on the roadway, which FDOT will ensure for assisting drivers, tourists, and visitors; that people have learned to use the St. Armands Circle roundabout and will learn how to also navigate this roundabout. Commissioner Brody left the roundtable at 4:07 P.M. and returned at 4:07 P.M. Vice Mayor Ahearn-Koch stated that doing this right is essential and the best data available must be used; that FDOT data showed only an 11 % improvement to traffic congestion at the roundabout at U.S. 41/ Gulf Stream Avenue, which is not favorable. Questions continued to be posed by City and LBK Commissions and addressed by City Staff. Ms. McGue referred to a slide entitled "City Bicycle Share (And Potential for Electric Scooter Pilot Program)." Mayor Alpert left the roundtable at 4:17 P.M. and returned at 4:17 P.M. Mr. Chapdelain presented and referred to a slide entitled "St. Armands Parking Garage" and provided a brief overview of undergoing improvements and referred to an aerial photograph of St. Armands Circle. Ms. McGue concluded the presentation and referred to a slide entitled "Gulf Coast Trail." Citizens' Input received, and questions posed were addressed by City Staff. In response to a comment from LBK Commissioner Pastor proposing the implementation of crossing guards, in season, to assist with traffic mitigation in St. Armands Circle, Deputy City Book 66 Page 38058 06/13/19 3:00 P.M. Book 66 Page 38059 06/13/19 3:00 P.M. Manager Brown stated that recently Staff met with FDOT and interest exist regarding the use of crossing guards; however, thel hope is to have a collaborated effort with the LBK Town Commission. LBK Town Mayor Spoll stated that the LBK Town Commission has discussed crossing guards in season and has a favorable attitude towards participation. Vice Mayor Ahearn-Koch thanked City Staff for their tremendous work with "Sarasota in Motion," the Transportation Master Plan. Commissioner Freeland Eddie stated that traffic congestion concerns are year-round for residents and the municipalities should engage the County with regards to the expansion of public transportation; that seasonal residents would rely more on public transportation if accessible, runs on a regular basis, and gets residents to their locations. Commissioner Shaw stated that in recent conversations with the County regarding the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT), the County stated that a lane must be eliminated to create a transportation system going north and south. LBK Town Vice Mayor Zunz left the roundtable at 4:41 P.M. and returned at 4:41 P.M. Mr. Chapdelain stated that Staff is in constant communication with Manatee County Area Transit (MCAT) and Sarasota County Area Transit (SCAT) and this is an emphasis of the Master Plan. Mayor Alpert stated that the Public Transportation Task Force (Task Force) has been discussing improving level of service for SCAT and regionally; however, the Task Force is of the opinion of there must be more users before improving Level-of-Service (LOS) to absorb expenses; that the belief is improving the LOS will increase users. Questions posed by City and LBK Commissions were addressed by City Staff. LBK Town Mayor Spoll on behalf of the City and Town of Longboat Key Commissions thanked City Staff for the presentation. 4. DISCUSSION RE: BARRIER ISLAND TRAFFIC STUDY UPDATE (AGENDA ITEM II-4) Town Manager Harmer stated that concerns shared with the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) and the City about the lack of visibility of pedestrians in St. Armands Circle due to cars parking up to the crosswalk, should be addressed. Issac Brownman, Public Works Director, Town of Longboat Key, came before the City and Town of Longboat Key (LBK) Town Commissions, presented and referred to a PowerPoint presentation entitled "Barrier Island Traffic Study (BITS)" displayed on a projection screen and flat screen television. Town Mayor Spoll left the roundtable at 4:54 P.M. and returned at 4:54 P.M. City Attorney Fournier left the roundtable at 4:54 P.M. and returned at 4:56 P.M. Questions posed by City and LBK Town Commissions were addressed by LBK Staff. In response to a comment and question from Commissioner Brody that in previous conversations raised pedestrian crosswalks were mentioned, and asked why raised speed tables are being considered opposed to raised pedestrian crosswalks in St. Armands Circle, Mr. Brownman stated that the elevated pedestrian crossing as related to the BITS is referring to pedestrian bridges on the U.S. 41 corridor areas where the roundabouts are located, and not on St. Armands. Town Manager Harmer stated that regarding the speed tables, the FDOT District 1 Secretary indicated that the long-term plan would be to elevate the walkways; that the speed tables are a precursor. In response to a question from Vice Mayor Ahearn-Koch about having the ability to know the count in the parking garages, City Manager Barwin stated yes, and Deputy City Manager Marlon Brown, City Manager's Office, came before the City and LBK Town Commissions, and stated that a counter has already been installed at the State Street Parking Garage; however, the intent is to install a counter in each parking garage. Mayor Alpert stated that the parking counter in parking garages will also be made available on mobile applications (APP). In response to a question from Commissioner Freeland Eddie asking if discussions have expanded regarding using technology, an APP to alert people to traffic congestion coming on/off the Ringling Causeway Bridge, Chief Transportation Planner Colleen McGue, Planning Department, City of Sarasota came before the City and LBK Town Commissions, and stated that FDOT and the Regional Traffic Management System has been working on a website to allow the traffic cameras to be viewed around the region, which is currently offered now; however, an APP does not exist at the time but should be available for viewing on a mobile device Deputy City Manager Brown stated that the City's Parking Manager has had discussions with FDOT regarding developing an APP to show the parking count in the St. Armands Parking Garage, parking spaces, around St. Armands Circle, and for projecting traffic in terms of the anticipated arrival time. Citizens' Input received. LBK Town Mayor Spoll on behalf of the City and Town of Longboat Key Commissions thanked LBK Staff for the presentation. 5. DISCUSSION RE: PUBLIC TRANSIT (AGENDA ITEM II-5) Town Attorney Mooney left the roundtable at 5:12 P.M. and returned at 5:15 P.M. Citizens' Input received. Town Manager Harmer addressed Citizens' Input. Issac Brownman, Public Works Director, Town of Longboat Key, came before the City and of Longboat Key (LBK) Town Commissions, presented and referred from a PowerPoint presentation entitled "Barrier Island Public Transit" displayed on a projection screen and flat screen television. LBK Town Mayor Spoll on behalf of the City and Town of Longboat Key Commissions thanked Town Staff for the presentation. 5. PRESENTATION AND DISCUSSION RE: ITEMS FOR CONSIDERATION FOR DISCUSSION OR FOR A FUTURE DISCUSSION (AGENDA ITEM li-5) City Manager Barwin stated that there are four efforts the City would like to collaborate with Town Staff on for a possible future joint meeting: 1. Affordable housing 2. Public transportation 3. Hurricane Evacuation 4. Senosoucnore-roursment (funding for preserving the shorelines) Book 66 Page 38060 06/13/19 3:00 P.M. Book 66 Page 38061 06/13/19 3:00 P.M. Town Manager Harmer thanked the City for meeting with the Town of Longboat Key as the result of the Fruitville Road Diet project and stated that the hope is to continue conversations regarding regional transportation, and for LBK Town Commission to meet more frequently with the County. 3. ADJOURN (AGENDA ITEM III) LBK Town Mayor Spoll adjourned the Special Joint Meeting of June 13, 2019, at 5:28 P.M. - 2 LIZ ALPERT, MAYOR ATEST:- w - SHAYLA GRIGGS C INTERIM CITY AUDITOR AND CLERK