Special City Council

121 SW Port St. Lucie City of Port St.Lucie Blvd. Port St. Lucie, Florida 34984 Special City Council Meeting Minutes - Final Gregory J. Oravec, Mayor Stephanie Morgan, Councilwoman, District I John Carvelli, Councilman, District II Shannon Martin, Vice Mayor, District III Jolien Caraballo, Councilwoman, District IV Monday, June 17, 2019 1:30 PM Council Chambers, City Hall 1. Meeting Called to Order A Special Meeting of the CITY COUNCIL of the City of Port St. Lucie was called to order by Mayor Oravec on June 17, 2019, at 1:30 p.m., at Port St. Lucie City Hall, 121 SW Port St. Lucie Boulevard, Port St. Lucie, Florida. 2. Roll Call Council Members Present: Mayor Gregory J. Oravec, Councilwoman Jolien Caraballo, Councilwoman Stephanie Morgan, Vice Mayor Shannon Martin and Councilman John Carvelli Moment of Silence in Rememberance of Port St. Lucie Police Officer Steve Brown Chief Bolduc stated that services would be held at St. Bernadette Catholic Church on Wednesday, June 19, 2019, with the viewing at 10:00 a.m. and the service beginning at 11:00 a.m. He said that a reception would follow, to be held at Country Club Estates. Vice Mayor Martin stated that the Treasure Coast Law Enforcement Officers' Wives had set up a GoFundMe Page to help the family. Chief Bolduc added that the St. Lucie County Hundred Club was involved, as well and any condolences could be sent to the Police Department and they would forward them accordingly. Chief Bolduc stated that services would be held at St. Bernadette Catholic Church on Wednesday, June 19, 2019, with the viewing at 10:00 a.m. and the service beginning at 11:00 a.m. He said that a reception would follow, to be held at Country Club Estates. Vice Mayor Martin stated that the Treasure Coast Law Enforcement Officers' Wives had set up a GoFundMe Page to help the family. Chief Bolduc added that the St. Lucie County Hundred Club was involved, as Page 1 of 8 Special City Council Meeting Minutes - Final June 17, 2019 well and any condolences could be sent to the Police Department and they would forward them accordingly. 3. Pledge of Allegiance Mayor Oravec led the assembly in the Pledge of Allegiance. 4. Public to be Heard There was nothing heard under this item. 5. New Business 5.a City Council discussion and consensus on two elements of the Port St. Lucie Boulevard South Widening Project: 1) Revising the typical roadway section, and 2) A potential path to expedite the construction schedule. The City Manager said that the item was discused at a City Council Retreat, which identified accelerating the Port St. Lucie Boulevard South Project as one of the strategic initiatves, and stated that he and staff had met with the District Secretary for the Florida Department of Transportation, Gerry O'Reilly, regarding the section of the design that was nearing completion and if it met today's vision of the roadway and users, as well as moving the project forward. Clyde Cuffy, Project Manager, gave a history of the project, along with the planning and costs. He stated that FDOT managed the project that was in 3 phases and that a public information meeting would be held as part of the process. Mayor Oravec inquired as to the cost to carry of $452,400 for two years from the General Fund undesignated reserves and the deferred interest not being in an interest bearing account, to which the City Manager replied in the affirmative. Mayor Oravec pointed out that the amount was being booked as lost interest earnings in the savings account and that a loan was not being taken out and that it was not a net amount. Councilman Carvelli inquired as to the reimbursement of $8.5 million guaranteed, to which the City Manager reponded that St. Lucie County received $4 million per year, which was approved by the TPO, and that this item was the number 1 project, where all of the money was going. He explained that as money was recieved from FDOT, they would reimburse the City depending on the amount received each year, but could not guarantee the timing. Vice Mayor Martin stated that the project was being redesigned in a better way and asked if there was a chance the design would not be selected, to which the City Manager said that it wasn't guaranteed. Mayor Oravec advised that the design had to go through the process, as the current design was no longer acceptable by FDOT's own regulations. Vice Mayor Martin moved to approve Item 5 a) as follows: 1) Moving forward with revising the typical roadway section, and 2) to expedite the construction schedule of Port St. Lucie Boulevard South. Councilwoman Morgan seconded the motion. Mayor Oravec stated that in 2010 the City Council identified the project as being vitale to the City's future and that it was still not up to current road standards. He said that he was proud of the Council for putting the additional contingency to work for the people of Port St. Lucie, in order to provide a better road faster. Page 2 of 8 Special City Council Meeting Minutes - Final June 17, 2019 The City Manager stated that there would be an agreement with FDOT within 90 days to allocate the funds, which would require a budget amendment if it was this year or would capture it in the next budget session. He pointed out that the funds from the Undesignated Reserve Fund would be reserved for a designated fund regarding expediting Port St. Lucie Boulevard South. The motion passed unanimously by voice vote. Other: The City Manager pointed out that the funds from the Undesignated Reserve Fund would be reserved for a Designated Fund regarding expediting Port St. Lucie Boulevard South. Action: Vice Mayor Martin moved to approve Item 5 a) as follows: 1) Moving forward with revising the typical roadway section, and 2) to expedite the construction schedule of Port St. Lucie Boulevard South. Councilwoman Morgan seconded the motion, which passed unanimously by voice vote. 5.b Discussion of revisions to the City of Port St. Lucie Neighborhood Traffic Calming Policy The City Manager stated that the City had a Traffic Calming Policy for a number of years and that there were very few Traffic Calming Projects being approved. He said it was suggested that the policy be reviewed, in order to meet the needs of the community. Heath Stocton, Traffic Engineer, stated that it was the 3rd revision to the Traffic Calming Policy, as it was a living document, and explained the policy goals and traffic calming statistics. He requested to remove the arterial roadways out of the policy, in order to be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Councilman Carvelli asked about the level of private funding that residents had offered to assist in the program, to which Mr. Stocton replied that they were interested in the $5,000 to $10,000 range, if they met the minimum criteria. Mayor Oravec advised that Special Assessments were a great tool that private property owners could use to help fund improvements, as they were assessed annually. Mr. Stocton stated that once the policy was finalized, it would be brought back to the Council for readoption with a Resolution. Councilwoman Caraballo suggested that the language contain a requirement of sponsorship prior to being brought before the Council, in order to receive a consensus to perform a study. There being no further comments, Councilman Carvelli moved to approve 5 b), Page 3 of 8 Special City Council Meeting Minutes - Final June 17, 2019 Recommendation for the revised language regarding the Traffic Calming Policy. Vice Mayor Martin seconded the motion, which passed unanimously by voice vote. Action: Councilman Carvelli moved to approve 5 b), Recommendation for the revised langauge regarding the Traffic Calming Policy. Vice Mayor Martin seconded the motion, which passed unanimously by voice vote. 5.c Discussion to determine City Council consensus on elements of the Florida Department of Transportation Multimodal Master Plan for Interstate 95 The City Manager stated that the item concerned potential exits and entrances from I-95, as well as a graph of what FDOT was conceptually proposing was provided, and requested feedback from the Council. Mayor Oravec said that he requested the discussion of the braided ramps because there was a discussion at the TPO in reference to it, as well as at an FDOT public workshop. He stated that it would shut down local mobility, as the Crosstown would not be able to be taken to access St. Lucie West, as well as he was concerned about the elevated lane of traffic being proposed because of the sound element that would effect the residents. Mr. Stocton stated that a model analysis was performed with and without the braided ramp, showing the impacts on Commerce Center Drive and California Boulevard, which was included in the packet and that the findings were that it did not negatively impact below an acceptable level of service. He said that he was scheduled to meet with FDOT on June 24, 2019 to discuss the memo. Councilman Carvelli pointed out that the noise issue would be critical. It was the consensus of the Council that they were not in favor of the braided ramps. Vice Mayor Martin moved to direct the City Manager to send correspondence to FDOT opposing the braided ramp interchange design. Councilman Carvelli seconded the motion, which passed unanimously by voice vote. Councilman Carvelli had concerns regarding the U-Turns on St. Lucie West Boulevard and suggested more signs be placed on the boulevard that indicated that they were not allowed. Mr. Stocton advised that they could identify the right of ways more clearly. Mayor Oravec asked the City Manager to have staff study the No U-Turn Sign traffic issue on St. Lucie West Boulevard and bring it back to the Council. Mr. Stocton stated that he would come back to the Council with information on the road widening aspect of the project. Other: Mayor Oravec asked the City Manager to have staff study the No U-Turn Sign traffic issue on St. Lucie West Boulevard and bring it back to the Council. Other: Traffic Engineer Stocton stated that he would come back to the Council with information on the widening aspect of the project. Action: Vice Mayor Martin moved to direct the City Manager to send Page 4 of 8 Special City Council Meeting Minutes - Final June 17, 2019 correspondence to FDOT opposing the braided ramp interchange design. Councilman Carvelli seconded the motion, which passed unanimously by voice vote. Peacock Intersection Improvements Councilwoman Caraballo requested a discussion with the county regarding contributing funds to expedite the Peacock Boulevard intersection, in order to improve the level of service, to which the Council concurred. Councilwoman Caraballo moved to expedite the Peacock improvements and include conversations with the county for assistance in funding. Vice Mayor Martin seconded the motion, which passed unanimously by voice vote. The City Manager said that he would return to the Council with ideas that could be done in the interim regarding the Peacock improvements, as well as approaching St. Lucie County regarding allocating impact fee funds, Action: Councilwoman Caraballo moved to expedite the Peacock Intersection Improvements and to include converstations with the county regarding assistance in funding. Vice Mayor Martin seconded the motion, which passed unanimously by voice vote. 5.d Annual update of the Strategic Plan The Strategic Initiatives Director gave a presentation regarding the City's Seven Goals in the Strategic Plan, as well as the top priorities. She stated that under Goal 1 Priority Projects, direction was requested regarding the US Highway 1 Beautification and St. James Boulevard Beautification gateways. Mayor Oravec recommended adding Traffic Education and Enforcement as a Priority Project. It was the consensus of the Council to add Traffic Safety Enforcement and Education to the 2019-2020 Priorities in Goal 1. The Strategic Initiatives Director stated that regarding Goal 2, it was the second year of the implementation of the welcome signs, as well as the increased community engagement. She pointed out that the Citizens' Survey indicated that more opportunities to participate were requested and said that the NICE Program was an opportunity for citizens to improve their neighborhoods. The Strategic Initiatives Director stated that regarding Goal 3, there was strong support for career technical education, as well as satisfaction from the community regarding the progress in the School District. It was the consensus of the Council to recommend that the City Manager seek reimbursement for the $1 million funding of school safety and the SRO's from the St. Lucie County School Board. Mayor Oravec requested that the City Manager direct staff to put together the initial information for the upcoming St. Lucie County School Board Summit, and stated that he would be attending. The Strategic Initiatives Director stated that regarding Goal 4, many of the projects would address issues that were raised in the Citizens' Survey on ways to create a stronger downtown and commercial corridor. Page 5 of 8 Special City Council Meeting Minutes - Final June 17, 2019 Councilman Carvelli requested submitting City information to the Quality Cities Magazine, as well as any other increasing state trends that the City was surpassing, when discussing Goal 4. The Strategic Initiatives Director stated that regarding Goal 5 and the Initiatives under Other Infrastructure, greater attention to transit services was being focused on, as it ranked low on the Citizens' Survey. Councilwoman Caraballo advised that the county had sent an email regarding a possible partnership in reference to transportation. Mayor Oravec recommended adding a Public Transit Enhancement Plan under Goal 5, to which the City Manager stated that he would bring information back to the Council regarding coordinating with the county's Transit Master Plan and adding it as a strategic project relative to understanding the Transit Master Plan for the City, as well as action steps so that there was no duplication in services. The Strategic Initiatives Director explained Goal 6 and the Initiatives and Priority Projects and asked if there were any changes. Mayor Oravec requested that the Adventure Park be added to Goal 6, to which the Council concurred. The Strategic Initiatives Director explained Goal 7, and the Initiatives and Priority Projects and stated that staff was working on a budget that would reduce the millage to reflect that priority. She added that Succession Planning was part of Organizational Development. Vice Mayor Martin moved to approve Item 5 d), the adoption of the FY 2020 Strategic Plan Top Priority Projects, with the stated changes. Councilwoman Caraballo seconded the motion, which passed unanimously by voice vote. Mayor Oravec suggested that some additional volunteer opportunities be developed, moving forward, which was requested in the Citizens' Survey that would include marketing. It was the consensus of the City Council to discuss volunteer opportunities at a future Retreat or Strategic Planning Workshop. Other: It was the consensus of the Council to add Traffic Safety Enforcement and Education be added to the 2019-2020 Priorities in Goal 1. Other: It was the consensus of the Council to recommended that the City Manager seek reimbursement for the funding of school safety and the SRO's from the St. Lucie County School Board. Other: Mayor Oravec requsted that the City Manager direct staff to put together the initial information for the St. Lucie County School Board Summitt. Other: Councilman Carvelli requested submitted City information to the Quality Cities Magazine, as well as any other increasing state trends Page 6 of 8 Special City Council Meeting Minutes - Final June 17, 2019 that the City was surpassing, when discussing Goal 4. Other: Mayor Oravec recommended adding a Public Transit Enhancement Plan under Goal 5, to which the City Manager stated that he would bring information back to the Council regarding the county's Transit Master Plan. Other: Mayor Oravec requested that the Adventure Park be added to Goal 6, to which the Council concurred. Action: Vice Mayor Martin moved to approve Item 5 d), The adoption of the FY 2020 Strategic Plan Top Priority Projects with the stated changes. Councilwoman Caraballo seconded the motion, which passed unanimously by voice vote. Other: Mayor Oravec suggested that some additional volunteer opportunities be developed, moving forward, which was requested in the Citizen's Survey. Other: It was the consensus of the City Council to discuss volunteer opportunities at a future Retreat or Strategic Planning Workshop. 5.e Golf Cart Ordinance update and discussion Chief Bolduc gave a presentation and explained the best practices of where golf carts were utilitzed around the state and on roadways. He stated that the Council had requested an interactivity map previously regarding transportation and explained that it showed the roads and sidewalks, which were highlighted. Mayor Oravec stated that the network did not connect, as it was identified in the 10-Year Parks Master Plan, which indicated following up with a Trail Master Plan. He requested trails and sidewalks be identified that could be connected, as well as the strategic destinations that could be connected or inter-connected. It was the consensus of the Council that they were not advocating Golf Carts on City roads. Mayor Oravec said the issue was the use of golf carts on 8-foot or greater paths and suggested packaging it as part of the Trail Master Plan. Councilwoman Caraballo requested using alternative methods of materials in order to properly analyse the cost and speed up the construction of the trailways. Mayor Oravec requested that the City Manager and staff work on the sidewalk width issue through a revision to the Sidewalk Master Plan and/or the Greenway and Trails Master Plan, in order to establish an 8-foot minimum connectivity in reference to multi-use paths for Golf Carts. He suggested that the Wilderness Park Project that was not completed might have leftover pavement, as well as zones could be created wherein Golf Carts were allowed to drive alongside sidewalks safely. Page 7 of 8 Special City Council Meeting Minutes - Final June 17, 2019 Councilman Carvelli recommended an Educational/Safety Plan for the public be implemented regarding Golf Cart usage in allowed areas, as well as a cost anaylsis, prior to voting on the ordinance. Councilwoman Caraballo moved to direct staff to include Golf Carts as part of the multimodal element of the Trail Master Plan. Vice Mayor Martin seconded the motion, which passed unanimously by voice vote. Other: It was the consensus of the Council that they were not advocating Golf Carts on City roads. Other: Mayor Oravec requested that the City Manager and staff work on the sidewalk width issue through a revision to the Sidewalk Master Plan and/or the Greenway and Trails Master Plan, in order to establish an 8-foot minimum connectivity in reference to multi-use paths for Golf Carts. He suggested that the Wilderness Park Project that was not completed might have leftover pavement, as well as zones could be created wherein Golf Carts were allowed to drive alongside sidewalks safely. Other: Councilman Carvelli recommended an Educational/Safety Plan for the public be implemented regarding Golf Cart usage in allowed areas, as well as a cost anaylsis, prior to voting on the ordinance. Action: Councilwoman Caraballo moved to direct staff to include Golf Carts as part of the multimodal element of the Trail Master Plan. Vice Mayor Martin seconded the motion, which passed unanimously by voice vote. Adjourn There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 3:45 p.m. _________________________ ___________________________________________ Karen A. Phillips, City Clerk April C. Stoncius, Deputy City Clerk Supervisor Page 8 of 8