BCC Minutes 04/16/2003 W (Santa Barbara-Logan Boulevard Extension)April 16, 2003
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
SANTA BARBARA / LOGAN BOULEVARD WORKSHOP
Board Meeting Room, 3rd Floor, Administration Building
3301 Tamiami Trail Naples, Florida 34112
9:00 AM April 16, 2003
LET IT BE REMEMBERED, that the Board of County Commissioners, in
and for the County of Collier, having conducted business herein, met on this date at
9:00 AM in Building "F" of the Government Complex, East Naples, Florida, with
the following members present:
Board of County Commissioners:
Chairman Tom Henning
Frank Halas
Donna Fiala
Fred Coyle
Jim Coletta
Speakers & Staff:
Jim Mudd
Leo Ochs
Norm Feeder
Don Scott
Greg Strackluse
Gaven Jones
Wayne Hartt
Page 1
Santa Barbara/Logan Boulevard Workshop
Wednesday, April 16, 2003"
9 a.m.
Board of County Commissioners Chambers
I. Welcome and Introductions
Il. Presentation by Transportation Planning 13~p~men~mspo~fion
Engineexing &'Construction Management Department-Staff
III. Questions and Comments from Board of County Commissioners
IV. Que~ions and Comments from Public
V. Conclusion
VL Adjmmmaent-
SANTA BARBARA / LOGAN BOULEVARD WORKSHOP
Aprill6,2003
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
I. Welcome and Introductions
-Jim Mudd, County Manager, explained that the road alignment workshop will cover
from the Lee County line down to the southern end at the intersection of 951 & 41.
He praised the benefits of GIS that was used in the previous workshop and again in
this workshop.
II. Presentation by Transportation Planning Department / Transportation
Engineering & Construction Management Department Staff
-Norm Feeder, Transportation Administrator, explained the presentation will address
the workshop in three segments: South of Davis, the Northern portion of the project,
and the section between Davis and Vanderbilt Beach Rd.
South of Davis
-Between Davis and Rattlesnake Hammock
-Mr. Feeder reviewed with the commissioners the previously proposed alternatives
for this project. He used GIS to provide the visuals for the road alternatives. The
first alternative was to 6 lane Polly, (Santa Barbara to US 41), Alternatives A & C,
but this alternative was dismissed due to the development in Lely. The second
alternative was to 2 lane Polly from Santa Barbara, (shown as alternative "A"), and
create a 6 lane, (Shown as alternative "C"), through the Lely Development Resort.
The 6 lane was building upon a development of regional impact provision
commitment in the Lely Resort Development; which was intended to mitigate the
impacts of the development. Due to the concern of the residents and
unaccommodating construction this alternative was abandoned. Two years ago, an
option was considered that they are currently pursuing a development contribution
agreement on: Lely Resort Blvd. / Grand Lely Drive will be developed up to
Rattlesnake Hammock and open to the public as a 4 lane collector. Since the original
6 lane, intended for mitigation, was not developed, the developers and staff came to
Page 2
Aprill6,2003
an agreement. For 951 & its expansion to 6 lane of the 125fi that currently exists, the
developers will provide all retention to be taken on-site, the vice-co and pedestrian
features will be taken within the development allowing 6 lane, allow 6ft and limited
access along their frontage that ensures the three access points, provide 25-35ft along
951 and the connecting roads to allow proper intersections for the future, and provide
retention and right-of-way along Rattlesnake Hammock to guarantee that the four
lane collector operates well in the future. This is mind, transportation intended to
develop a 4 lane extension of Santa Barbara, along the Polly alignment, maintaining
this within the 165ft existing on the southern part of Polly and carry it forward all the
way up. Mr. Feeder added that generally speaking, this is without "major disruption".
Should the need for 6 lanes occur, it would be "tight", but could be possible.
-Donna Fiala asked if Lely Cultural Blvd and Edison Community College would be
constructing their road soon. Mr. Feeder stated that they would be doing so shortly.
They will try to align this with south-wing access points. Donna Fiala then asked if
Mr. Feeder could clarify how the traffic from Polly would be diverted to protect the
residents of Lely. Mr. Feeder explained that they would control the flow of traffic by
the geometrics and timing of signals. This will take the southbound traffic from
Polly/Santa Barbara Ext. and allow two lefts, a right and a thru. They are attempting
to discourage a lot of people from going through St. Andrews. If the community feels
that there is too much traffic from Polly/Santa Barbara Ext., then they could develop a
block that will eliminate "straight-thru" traffic.
North of Vanderbilt Beach Rd to the Lee County Line
(GIS was used for visualization purposes)
-Don Scott, Transportation Planning, stated that from the Lee County line down,
Parkland Development is planning a 2 lane road between Bonita Beach and
Immokalee Rd. This is for development access, they will not receive impact fee
credits, and the county will not be participated in the costs for any section of this
road. To the right, the County Road 951 extension is in the PD&E study phase. To
the left are potential corridors that 951 could be developed in with a set aside right-of-
way.
Page 3
Apdl16,2003
-Mr. Henning asked when Parkland Developments 2 lane road was added to the long-
range plan. Mr. Scott stated that it was in the adopted 2001 plan as a 2 lane road. Mr.
Henning asked when this would be constructed. Mr. Scott replied that they are on
scheduled to be completed by 2009.
-Mr. Scott continued with his presentation stating that between Vanderbilt Beach and
Immokalee, there is a set aside right-of-way for 125ft and a possible 4 lane right-of-
way. Transportation is proposing to build 2 lanes within the right-of-way, as part of
the agreement with Saturnia Lakes and Taraphina. They are scheduled to have the
design complete by the end of the year and construction complete by the end of 2005.
Santa Barbara Logan between Pine Ridge Rd and Davis Rd
(A power point presentation was used, copies were not provided to court reporter)
-Greg Strackluse, Transportation/Engineering Construction Management
Department reviewed some of the "milestones" that occurred for this section:
-A 6 lane project was identified in the MPO long-range transportation plan as one of
the county's top 14 road projects.
-In June 2002 there was a public meeting to review the 60% design phase of the
project. A follow-up meeting was held in September of 2002.
-October 22, 2002 the BCC adopted a resolution authorizing staff to acquire property
by "gift and purchase" for the right-of-way for a 6 lane footprint. The BCC also
directed staff to consider alternatives. Staff has done so. Staff's first effort was to
form a workgroup with citizens, residents, and businesses along the corridor and to
try for more community input into the design process. Four meetings have been held
with this workgroup since March 2003. They also discussed alternatives with EMS,
researched drive-way connections to the corridors, and they gathered data regarding
accidents. Six alternatives came out of this workgroup, one being "no project".
Computer modeling was done and showed that the intersections do need some level
of protection.
-Gaven Jones, with Wilson Miller, reviewed the long-range transportation plan and
the methodologies associated with them. Mr. Jones stated that they used the Florida
Standard Urban Transportation Structure to forecast the main-line volumes on the
Page 4
Apfil16,2003
major arterials and collectors in Collier County. This model is supported and
encouraged by DOT. The effectiveness of the model in predicting traffic volumes is
confirmed during a validation process; done every 5 years by MPO's that are in
quality attainment areas, (amendments may also be done if necessary). One
assumption of the model is what the population will be like in 20 years. They then go
through a process to determine what roadways will be necessary to provide an
acceptable level of service for the projected population. The next step is to establish
what can be afforded and a "financially feasible plan" is developed. In 2025, the
population estimate for Collier County is 453,000 - (permanent population), provided
by the Bureau of Economic and Business research. To prepare the model for use, Mr.
Jones explained that they needed to determine how the 453,000 people would be
spread over 200 traffic analysis zones, (TAZ's), in Collier County. 1998 census
numbers and certificates of occupancy were used to determine this spread. Estimates
of what would be "on the ground" at build-out were made by using maximum
permitted density and the future land use element. The method also regarded TAZ's
that had a greater portion of their build-out potential on the ground in 1998 as more
attractive for development. The methodology did not consider any planning
community totals that were being published by the comprehensive planning section.
When the model is activated, it generates "trips" from different locations. The model
was validated as part of the last plan update process and Post Buckley, who did the
validation, adjusted the model for sufficient agreement between counted volumes and
simulated volumes.
-Mr. Halas asked what the percentage of error was. Mr. Jones stated that he would
find this information for him, but it is an error margin that would never lead to
different conclusions on lane calls. The error percentage is contained in the
validation report, which is part of the long-range update.
-Mr. Jones returned to his presentation stating that the model is then fed information
from the future land uses. The model is activated and it generates "trips" are
generated. At this point, facilities are added to the model until the level of service is
acceptable. The facilities are then adjusted according to the price of the facilities and
their comparison to the county revenue streams. This plan is then brought before the
Page 5
April 16, 2003
board on an MPO as a long-range plan with a financially feasible plan component.
The network adopted by the BCC in early 2000 included Livingston Rd as a major
corridor up to Lee County, 6 lanes up to the juncture with Livingston E-W, 4 lanes
across the county line, the new interchange at Golden Gate Parkway and I75, the
extension of 951 to Lee County, the widening of I75. Mr. Jones explained that there
are alternatives for N-S travel, but people are avoiding them and using Santa
Barbara/Logan. The model allows them to change road-ways in order to determine
the traffic volumes that would occur in specific areas. Mr. Jones explained that there
are adjacent property owners that will use Santa Barbara Blvd, but the volumes on the
road reflect the fact that there are trip-makers that use this road to move N-S through
the county and avoiding 951 & Livingston due to traffic volumes on these roads as
well. He clarified that it has become clear that it is important to have more public
involvement when doing the plan update process, since they are relying on a model
and there are complaints that the model was set up wrong and is flawed. Mr. Jones
felt that the source of the complaints are due to beliefs that there are flaws in the
model and the belief that the model lead to incorrect conclusions on the lane calls
needed for this road. He added that it was difficult to have people come forth and
discuss conditions 20 years from now, they did the best they could to involve the
public in the last MPO process, and the will do so in the future. Synchro-sofiware is
used to quantify the delay of motorists entering intersections at peak hours and
quantify the effect of coordinating signals. Synchro-sofiware analysis was considered
when reviewing the traffic volumes and intersection geometries along the corridor.
The software showed that the intersection on Santa Barbara Blvd would begin to
exceed 55 seconds of delay in 2005-2010. Mr. Jones stated that the reason they are
advocating three lanes in each direction is because you need them to provide enough
capacity to move traffic through the intersection and provide acceptable delay. In
summary, two thru-lanes should provide acceptable delay to the year 2010 at major
intersections in the northern part of the corridor. He added that prudence suggests
and they recommend that the county design the road with the ability to expand to
three lanes, three turn lanes, and three thru-lanes; to do otherwise will increase the
delay at this intersection.
Page 6
Apfil16,2003
-Mr. Henning was concemed about looking at the availability of the land use and the
actuality of what is being done. Mr. Jones stated that if they looked at it this way, as
long as re-development did not occur, it would reduce the build-out potential of
individual TAZ's. He explained that the possibility exists that predictions may
exceed the built capacity of a TAZ, because they did not build out to maximum
density. He also stated that if done to one TAZ, then it would have to be done to all
TAZ's in the county and he felt that this would shift and essentially cancel other
changes.
-Mr. Halas felt that the traffic engineers were being paid for their ability and they
should listen to the engineers and notice that the past trends have been following
accordingly to the statistics. He felt that if they look at all the PUD since 1989 and
view the potential, then they have a good handle on where the traffic will come from.
-Mr. Henning agreed with his last statement, stating that this was his point as well;
the actuality instead of projected land use to the maximum.
-Mr. Jones stated that he didn't want to minimize the time and effort that the staff and
the community have put into this project. He reviewed things that they have heard as
community concerns and attempted to incorporate & balance in the plan: safety &
EMS response (the public informed them of near-miss accidents that were taken into
account), access & side street entrances to businesses, preserving the neighborhood
character, noise issues, alternative intersection ideas, and interconnectivity.
Alternatives: Pro's & Con's
-(A power point presentation was used and copies were not provided to court reporter
- the presentation listed the alternatives discussed)
-Wayne Hartt, Wilson Miller Design Project Manager, stated that there are segments
of the project with unique characteristics to be considered when developing the
designs; example - residential character. He used the power point presentation to
review the design alternatives, which included 4 lane alternatives with and without
frontage roads, an expandable 4 lane within the right of way identified, and the
current design as well. Mr. Hartt explained that along with the community
Page 7
Aprill6,2003
representatives they came up with evaluation criteria: safety, neighborhood character,
access, fight-of-way, and the ability to accommodate future traffic.
Alternatives:
1) 4 lane section within a reduced right-of-way, in combination with intersection
improvement.
-Mr. Hartt explained that they are not prepared to give any recommendations today,
but they will be working with the community on the pros and cons of each idea.
2) lway frontage road with a 4 lane cross-section: benefit is safety, no great benefit
to capacity
3) This was another frontage road option, which requires less right-of-way, has an 8fi
buffer. The operational characteristics are the same as the frontage road with the 32ft
buffer.
4) Expandable 4 lane cross-section with a wider median to accommodate an
additional travel lane in each direction. This essentially preserves the outside
footprint of the original design, but leaves off a 1 lane in each direction. It also
provides a wider median to facilitate u-tums made by larger vehicles.
5) A visual was shown, (on power point), for the current 6 lane design.
-Mr. Hartt explained that the community voiced concerns about the access
management plan and they believe that this is the safest approach, but they agreed to
review this again with the community. They then found several locations that met the
criteria to allow conversion of a directional median opening modified to a full
opening.
-Mr. Hartt then discussed the tenth street interconnectivity issue and explained that
they are looking at some alternatives for connectivity to Pine Ridge Rd. They are
continuing to work through this with county staff and the community representatives.
Staff Recommendations
-Norm Feeder, stated that they have tried to look at this con-idor in great detail, they
are in the process of updating the model, and they are now looking at the details that
go beyond the model. For this corridor they are recommending:
1) South of Davis: 4 lanes within 165ft
Page 8
Aprill6,2003
2) North of Immokalee: the developer's provision of a 2 lane roadway within 2 lanes
of right-of-way
3) Immokalee Rd - Vanderbilt Beach Rd: develop a contribution agreement with
Satumia Lakes to reserve the right-of-way for an ultimate 4 lane and develop a 2 lane
within that section
4) Vanderbilt -Pine Ridge: 4 lanes within a 4 lane right-of-way
5) Pine Ridge - Golden Gate: Staff is continuing to work with the group, but
currently recommends a 4 lane within a 6 lane right-of-way, an expanded median to
allow for access point connections for as long as they can be maintained and the
intersections can operate with a 4 lane configuration.
6) Golden Gate - Davis: 6 lane within a 6 lane right-of-way, address noise issues and
create barrier wall on the section of Countryside
-Mr. Henning asked if the 4 lane-ing of the 2 lanes on Radio Rd was still part of this
project. Mr. Feeder stated that it was and they will go out into the community to
show this to them.
-Mr. Halas asked where they were in the design process and how much money has
been spent so far. He was informed that they were at 60% of the design and
-$600,000 through the design.
-Mr. Henning stated that they would take break and then hear from the public. He
reminded the public that each speaker had 3 minutes to address the board.
A fifteen minute recess was taken at 10:26 AM.
IlL
PUBLIC SPEAKERS
A) Earl Kegg, Board of directors of Countryside, stated that they have no "serious"
objections to the 6 lane-ing of Santa Barbara, but are concerned about the
timeframes and the safety of the school children.
Page 9
April 16, 2003
B) Alan Moniz, resident of Collier County since 1979, was in support of the staff
recommendations. He felt that growth was definite and he did not want to delay
the process.
C) Curtis M. Walker, resident of St. Andrews Blvd, was against the extension
through Polly. He felt that the models were not an absolute indicator of the
future.
D) Judy Laws, President of Water Crest of Falling Waters & representing 98 unit
owner in Falling Waters, was against the extension through Polly. She was
concerned about wildlife safety, quality of life, homes too close to the roads, and
noise.
E) Bob Stone, supported an intersection design submitted to the county staff by Mr.
Provenzano concerning improvements. He felt that the response from Wilson
Miller in regards to the design contained inconsistencies.
-Mr. Gaven stated that he would meet with Mr. Stone and explain the analysis. Mr.
Henning asked to be kept up to date with this meeting and to be provided with a copy
of the analysis. Mr. Gaven agreed. Mr. Hartt and staff reviewed some of the details
used and the reasoning behind using them in the analysis.
F) Michael Meendree, was against the extension through Polly. He was concerned
about traffic volumes and did not feel that the extension would solve the problem.
G) Norbert $. Bragiel, lives on St. Andrews Blvd, was against the extension through
Polly to St. Andrews Blvd. He was concerned about traffic volume and speeding
problems in a residential area.
I-I) Mary Lou Hull, President of the Logan Woods / Santa Barbara Civic
Association, spoke against the 6 lane-ing of Logan/Santa Barbara corridor. She
provided a letter from the North Bay Civic Association, which supported their
recommendation. They were concerned that the quality of life in residential
neighborhoods will be reduced.
I) William A. Shelling, was concerned that the modeling system used was flawed.
He stated that fallen bridges and shuttle disasters are some times the result of
flaws in design models. He referred to Naples Little Farms and the growth in
Page 10
April 16, 2003
Collier County. He believed the flaws were that the model does not consider
cycles and changes in economy and growth.
J) Robert Jenkins, resident of Falling Waters, spoke against the extension through
Polly. He was against it because he felt it would disrupt his quality of life, since
the road would be 30fi from his bedroom. He asked that a large burm be used if
the roadway is created.
K) Wanda Kloph, spoke against six lane roads being built in residential areas;
Santa Barbara/Logan. She was primarily concerned that 6 lanes would depreciate
the values of homes, create more rental units, decrease quality of life, create more
commercial business, and the safety of children at bus stops. She placed
information into the record that included signatures from a "majority" of the
property owners on Santa Barbara Blvd/Logan Blvd stating that they will not sell
their properties for the 6 lane-ing. The information included 2500 signatures of
Collier County residents opposed to the 6 lane-ing.
L) Edward Landers, Logan/Santa Barbara civic association, stated that they
presented against the expansion at the MPO meeting. He felt that there was no
reciprocation from this meeting and spoke against 6-1ane-ing of Santa
Barbara/Logan. He also asked for lower speed limits, repair the intersection of
Santa Barbara and Golden Gate, and bring Santa Barbara up to better standards.
He provided a letter for the record that reiterated his statements.
-Mr. Henning noted that as a result of the MPO meeting, staff was directed to
consider alternatives to the 6 lane-ing and that staff is doing so.
M) Gail Geary, member of the committee working with staff on alternatives for the
Logan/Santa Barbara Corridor, stated that current conditions needed to be
reviewed, alternating patterns of 6 & 4 lanes did not make sense, and that the
model is somewhat reliable but has inconsistencies and inaccuracies. She asked
four only four lanes between Golden Gate Parkway and Pine Ridge Rd.
N) Reverend II. Peter Lyberg, retired from Shepard Glades Lutheran Church,
spoke against the 6 lane-ing of Polly. He spoke in favor of alternative A because
he felt that it was the most resident friendly plan, cost effective, shortest distance,
and does not take away homes.
Page 11
April 16, 2003
O) Dudley K. Chism, President of Lely Country Club Property Association, spoke
against the extension to St. Andrews Blvd. He stated that if traffic is allowed to
exit into St. Andrews Blvd from Santa Barbara Blvd, then their attorneys assured
them that they have an excellent, "copy-cat" case of the Foxfire "fiasco".
-Mr. Feeder stated that if they wanted a "pork chop" at the North of St. Andrews, then
they can install this at the beginning of the process. Mr. Chism stated that they were
against this as well.
P) George Ramsey, provided his time to Dudley Chism, who spoke on his behalf.
Q) Robert D. Fisher, resident of Lely Resort & Supervisor of Lely Community
Development District Board, thanked the board and their staff for the good job
and making an effort to listen to the community. He supported the solution to
bring Santa Barbara southbound.
R) Raul Saad, Santa Barbara resident and business owner, represented 4 homes, 1
business, and 3 rental retail units on Santa Barbara Blvd. He explained that if this
resolution went through they would lose 115 ft in front of their homes and that
this was an "unreasonable burden to shoulder". He was opposed to the 6 lane-ing
because it would decrease their quality of life, the human cost was too large,
children safety was in danger, and a decrease in property value.
$) Dena Rniz, resident of Saint Andrews Blvd, spoke against the extension to Saint
Andrews Blvd. She was concerned about child safety issues. She also didn't feel
that a barrier would stop traffic.
T) Ken Drum, representing the Lely Resort Task Force, stated that they were in full
support of the plan to extend Santa Barbara Blvd to Rattlesnake Hammock. He
asked that the county consider looking further east of 951 to alleviate traffic from
the intersection of US 41 & 951.
U) Bob Murray, spoke in support of the plan and appreciated the efforts of staff to
come up with "a fair and equitable solution to an impossible problem".
V) David Ellis, CBIA, spoke in support of the plan, stating that reducing traffic
congestion was a main concern found in their survey last year. He added that
more people asked for new roads to be built versus expansion.
Page 12
Aprill6,2003
W) Jeff Provenzano, Logan Blvd resident, spoke against the 6 lane-ing of Santa
Barbara. He used a map to discuss growth, traffic flow, and alternative routes.
(A copy of the map was not provided to the court reporter.) He did not agree with
the travel routes that were determined by the model.
**Mr. Henning informed the public that he had just been handed a news release that
stated the county health department was currently investigating a suspected case of
SARS in Collier County. The person with suspected SARS had just returned from an
infected country. Mr. Mudd added that the Department of health has the child and
parents under quarantine, it does not appear to pose a public health threat, and it
appears to be contained. Mr. Henning added that it was a non-school age child.**
X) Karen Acquarp, representing the Golden Gate Civic Association, stated that they
oppose the 6 lane-ing of Santa Barbara/Logan. They were concerned that the
quality of life will be diminished and child safety. They support the residents of
the Logan Blvd/Santa Barbara area. They believed that the model was "guess
work" and not fact. They ask that the board wait until the Livingston project and
the 175 exchange are completed, before deciding what needs to be done.
A break was taken for lunch at 12:37 PM and reconvened at 1:37 PM.
IV Questions and Comments from the BCC
-Mr. Feeder stated that he would review the staff recommendations and make a minor
adjustment to the original recommendations heard:
1) Santa Barbara Extension of Polly: staffrccommends that they establish a traffic barrier
at St. Andrews Blvd and Rattlesnake Hammock; this would not allow thru traffic, left
turns westbound, or left turns northbound. Staff also recommends 4 lanes within 165 ft
of right-of-way all the way to Davis Blvd.
2) Davis Blvd - Golden Gate Parkway: staff recommends a 6 lane configuration. They
also recommend including the 4 lane-ing of Radio Rd as well as addressing the noise
study for Countryside.
Page 13
April 16, 2003
3) Golden Gate Parkway - Logan:
A) Golden Gate Parkway - Green Blvd: staff recommends 4 lanes within 160 fi
of right-of-way, this does allow the prospect of 6 lanes, but only when and if the
traffic demand shows a need. To meet the drainage needs, staff recommends that
they go to 160 cross section in the area.
B) Green Blvd - Pine Ridge Rd: Staff recommends intersection improvements to
Pine Ridge Rd and Green Blvd. They will try to hold to current 4 lanes.
4) Pine Ridge Rd - Vanderbilt Beach Rd: Staff recommends that they purchase the right-
of-way for 4 lanes, but they do not have this project within the five-year work program.
Staff also recommends consider construction of 2 lane within 4 lane right-of way as
another option.
5) North of Vanderbilt Beach Rd - County Line: Staff recommends 2 lanes on 4 lanes of
right-of-way.
6) Immokalee Rd - Lee County Line - 2 lanes on 2 lanes of right-of-way.
-Mr. Henning stated that there will probably be a request for Quail West - Longshore to
stub out onto the 2 lane section at the north-side of Longshore and the south-side of Quail
West. He then asked about Judy Law's request for a traffic study. Mr. Feeder stated that
this will be done in the Santa Barbara Extension review. He agreed to do the noise buffer
as vegetation versus a wall wherever possible. Mr. Henning asked also about the
wildlife in the area. Mr. Feeder stated that they will have to attend to any wildlife issues
during the design process.
-Mr. Coletta stated that he had no problem with "reserved capacity". Mr. Coletta asked
how long the needs of the roads would be met with this scenario, based on the modeling
system. Mr. Feeder informed him that the needs would be met until 2010 or 2015.
-Donna Fiala agreed with the burm and the vegetation versus the wall.
-Mr. Henning asked when they would go to construction if they proceed with this. Mr.
Feeder informed him that it would begin in 2005 from Davis Blvd - Golden Gate. South
of would begin construction in 2007 and north of Pine Ridge is not in the five year plan at
this time. Mr. Henning stated that he was concerned about the land use element in the
modeling.
Page 14
Aprill6,2003
-Mr. Coletta asked if a future board could decide to make 6 lanes out the section that is 4
lanes on 4 right-of-ways. Mr. Feeder and Mr. Mudd explained that future boards have
that right if the level of service demands the change.
-Mr. Halas asked what the growth rate was for Golden Gate Blvd on the east side of 951.
Don Scott informed him that the existing traffic is 17,700 and the service volume is
33,600, the growth rate is reaching 18-20%. Mr. Mudd added that there are -30,000
citizens in that area with the potential to rise to -90,000 citizens.
-Mr. Coletta asked how they will handle school busses on this route. Mr. Feeder stated
that where bus routes are located there will be delay, but the advantage to a divided road
is that you only stop the vehicles moving one direction. He clarified that nothing
presented at this meeting solved the issue and it is an issue in other areas as well. Mr.
Coletta asked that he be kept up with the information on how to solve this, as it comes
about. Mr. Coletta added that there was also a situation with Oil Well Rd, lmmokalee
needs a bypass around the back of the city, Lake Trafford Rd, and they also need to
consider the 4 lane of Golden Gate Blvd from Wilson to Desoto.
-Mr. Halas was concerned about the Golden Gate area because it showed the "bigger
picture" of where the county is headed in regards to this road. He believed it was
important to keep this in mind.
-Mr. Coyle asked what concerns of the communities were not addressed between
Vanderbilt Beach Rd and Davis Rd. Mr. Feeder informed him that they have not
addressed removing the school busses entirely from the flow of the service roads and he
hoped that the 4 lanes with the reserved right for 6 lanes addressed some concerns.
-Mr. Henning stated that he was concerned about buying extra right-of-ways if they were
not going to be needed in the future.
-Donna Fiala asked if frontage roads could be built in the Golden Gate area, if the need
arose, rather than changing to 6 lanes. Mr. Feeder stated that this could be possible. Mr.
Mudd stated that they discussed frontage roads over lunch, but the community said that
they did not want frontage roads since it took away from the residential characteristics.
He added that there will be less than 10 homes where he believed the board should
provide the homeowner with the opportunity to sell the right-of-way or their entire lots to
the county due to extreme impacts. Mr. Coletta added that the "historical high" and a
Page 15
April 16, 2003
"reasonable inconvenience fee" should be considered when offering to buy these
properties. Mr. Mudd stated this would be considered. (The area that was discussed was
Green Blvd to Golden Gate Parkway). Mr. Coyle stated that they might never need to
buy the property if they didn't widen the median and left more of the buffer on the
outside. Mr. Feeder stated that they need to change the construction because the sub-
grade is bad and there are a lot of drainage problems. The second issue he brought up
was, this also address the concerns about live vehicle tums till 2015. Mr. Mudd added
that they owned about 100 ft of right-of-way out there, but in either option they will still
need to go "out and get something".
-Mr. Coletta stated that this plan "buys about 12 years of avoiding a failing road". Mr.
Feeder agreed. Mr. Coletta clarified that this would need to be re-evaluated in 5-10
years. Mr. Feeder believed that they would continually be evaluating this.
-The board felt comfortable with the staff decisions made at this meeting and was in
support of Mr. Feeder's recommendation.
V. Adjournment
There being no further business for the good of the county, the workshop
meeting was adjourned by order of the chair at 2:28 PM.
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS/EX
OFFICIO GOVERNING BOARD(S) OF
SPECIA~STRI2/UNDER. ITS CONTROL
'~IN~)M ¥I"~NI~I~NG, CH~'~AN
ATTEST: ,
DWIGHT E. BROCK, CLERK
~ese' min~a,p.p;~'0ved by the Board on
,~" or as .gOrrected
, as presented
Page 16