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HomeMy WebLinkAbout09-14-2023 VC SP-MPresent: ROLL CALL MINUTES OF THE WORKSHOP MEETING VILLAGE COUNCIL OF NORTH PALM BEACH, FLORIDA SEPTEMBER 14, 2023 David B. Norris, Mayor Susan Bickel, Vice Mayor Darryl C. Aubrey, Sc.D., President Pro Tem Mark Mullinix, Councilmember Deborah Searcy, Councilmember Chuck Huff, Village Manager Leonard G. Rubin, Village Attorney Jessica Green, Village Clerk Mayor Norris called the meeting to order at 8:08 p.m. All members of Council were present except Councilmember Mullinix. All members of staff were present. All Department Directors were present. DISCUSSION — LIGHTHOUSE DRIVE BRIDGE REPLACEMENT Village Manager Chuck Huff explained this was the very early stages of the project to replace the Lighthouse Drive Bridge, and this would not be a highly detailed presentation, however it was intended to begin the conversation. Director of Public Works Chad Girard provided a presentation regarding the status, funding, and next steps for replacement of the Lighthouse Drive Bridge. Mr. Girard began with an overview of steps completed to date, as follows: • Conceptual plan • Conceptual cost estimate • Geotechnical information to drive design • Conceptual schedule • Received funding from State of Florida for design Mr. Girard clarified this was a high level conceptual schedule though there was no consultant or contractor selected for the project at this time. Mr. Girard explained the funding received would be coming through the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT). The assistant director, Mr. Girard and FDOT met a couple of weeks ago. They prepared a Request for Qualifications (RFQ), worked with Mr. Rubin, and sent it to the FDOT for approval. He stated once the Village's Request for Qualifications (RFQ) had been approved for consultant, the FDOT would send a draft funding agreement for Council approval. Councilmember Searcy noted the FDOT agreement was to pay for approximately half of the bridge design. Mr. Girard stated that was the estimate before going out for RFQ. Village Council Workshop held September 14, 2023 Page 2 of 3 DISCUSSION — LIGHTHOUSE DRIVE BRIDGE REPLACEMENT continued Mr. Girard reviewed next steps after the contract and agreement, including: • Send out RFQ to secure consulting team to Council • Bring consultant team selection to Council for approval • Negotiate scope and fee • Bring scope and fee to Council for approval • Issue purchase order and notice to proceed to consultant • Begin work on plans and public input Mr. Girard reviewed the preliminary schedule, which called for procurement of the consultant early in 2024, followed by a process of approximately two (2) years for design (9 months — 1 year) and permitting (approx. 1 year). Mr. Girard noted this timeline could fluctuate up or down based on permits required from Federal agencies (Army Corps, Coast Guard, DEP, South Florida Water Management District). Mr. Girard noted the Village would then procure a construction engineer and inspection firm in late 2025 and a construction contractor in early 2026, with the projected opening of the bridge to traffic at the end of 2027 or beginning of 2028. Mr. Huff highlighted the large number of moving parts and pointed out the schedule was preliminary. Mr. Huff stated the Village would work to address the bridge with the least amount of impact for closure possible. If this costs a little more in order to have less downtime it will be advantageous to the community. Mr. Girard stated the bridge on U.S. Highway 1 was expected to be completed before construction on the Lighthouse Drive Bridge commences, and the schedule to be adjusted to ensure there is not overlap of the projects. Mr. Girard reviewed sample design images briefly and noted the project would be required to follow FDOT guidelines. Vice Mayor Bickel inquired about the width of the bridge and whether it could be raised. Mr. Girard acknowledged the challenges and stated staff would push for it to be raised higher if that is an option. Mr. Girard shared an elevation and noted the bridge concept would significantly open the channel beneath the bridge. Mr. Girard stated better renderings would be available later in the process. Mayor Norris opened the item to public comment. Chris Ryder, 118 Dory Road South, stated it was clear the bridge needed to be replaced. Mr. Ryder asked that at least the same clearance above the water be maintained, and asserted the bridge did not need to have both a nine (9) foot sidewalk and seven (7) foot bicycle lane. Mr. Ryder stated the narrow width of the existing bridge helps to slow people down on Lighthouse Drive and suggested reducing the sidewalk dimensions. Mr. Ryder commented on rights -of -way and stated the Village had failed to enforce its interest near South side of Anchorage Park, but a temporary bridge there might be possible. Pam Cinilia, 640 Lighthouse Drive, stated she lives at the base of the bridge and will be thankful not to hear all of the traffic and speeders going over the bump, but is not looking forward to the projected 18 months of construction. Ms. Cinilia expressed that she was concerned there were not more people in attendance at the workshop, and stated the Commission should survey the community for input on whether they want this investment. Ms. Cinilia commented on the width and asked that decisions be considerate of the neighbors. Village Council Workshop held September 14, 2023 Page 3 of 3 DISCUSSION — LIGHTHOUSE DRIVE BRIDGE REPLACEMENT continued Karen Marcus, 920 Evergreen Drive, commented that they were building a Village road to a State standard, which is designed to carry a lot of traffic in a different way than what is needed in the Village. Ms. Marcus suggested there may be a conversation to be had with FDOT and the County to look for flexibility in the standards. There being no further comment from the public, Mayor Norris closed the item to public comment. Vice Mayor Bickel reiterated that the project was in the initial stages, and the process would include public input. Mr. Girard confirmed this was correct. President Pro Tem Aubrey agreed with the feedback that the bridge did seem wide and suggested that should be looked at. Councilmember Searcy stated she did not want to see the sidewalks reduced, because it was the heart of a residential community and most people would use the sidewalks, not the bicycle lanes, to cross the bridge. Mayor Norris noted the Village would be listening to feedback as it proceeds, but they are being told they must do this bridge replacement. Mayor Norris asserted he would still ask if there was some other way, and make sure there are no other options before proceeding. Mayor Norris stated the Village should consider extension of work hours and incentives to shorten the construction time. Mayor Norris agreed with previous comments that the bridge was wide for the middle of a neighborhood and would change the character the Village was trying to preserve. Discussion ensued briefly as to communicating future meetings with the residents. Councilmember Searcy recommended residents sign up for e-newsletter. Mayor Norris stated there could be improved efforts regarding the communication timeline of the Village newsletter, particularly with prominent issues as this. Nick Cinilia, 640 Lighthouse Drive, stated the traffic under the bridge was equally as important to consider as the traffic over the bridge. Mr. Cinilia asserted if it were widened, there would be situations of two (2) boats trying to pass under at the same time. Mary Phillips, 525 Ebbtide Drive, asked if the bridge were widened, whether that width would continue the entire length of Lighthouse Drive. Discussion continued regarding the logistics of the wider bridge. Mr. Huff explained the width of the bridge would reduce the need for cut ins at the beginning and end of the bridge. Mr. Huff stated it would not go wider than the existing right-of-way. Mr. Huff thanked Council and the residents for their input to start the conversation, and noted there would be a multitude of workshops throughout the process for additional opportunities to give feedback. Bob Perez, 636 Lighthouse Drive, stated his concern with the growth of the thoroughfare is increased speeds causing problems for bicycles and motorized scooters. ADJOURNMENT With no further bus ess to come before the Council, the meeting was adjourned at 8:37 p.m. JessikGreen, MMC, Village Clerk