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PBSD MSTBU Minutes 05/08/202433.A.c PELICAN BAY SERVICES DIVISION BOARD REGULAR SESSION MAY 8, 2024 The Pelican Bay Services Division Board met on Wednesday, May 8, 2024, at 1:00 p.m. at the Community Center at Pelican Bay, 8960 Hammock Oak Drive, Naples, Florida 34108. In attendance were: Pelican Bay Services Division Board Michael Fogg, Chairman Joe Chicurel, Vice -Chairman Jack Cullen Jacob Damouni Mark Ferland (absent) Pelican Bay Services Division Staff Neil Dorrill, Administrator Dawn Brewer, Ops. Support Spec. 11 Chad Coleman, Ops. Manager Darren Duprey, Supervisor -- FieId I Also Present Tony D'Errico, Pelican Bay Foundation Peter Griffith Susan Hamilton Michael Rodburg Rick Swider Michael Weir Dave Greenfield, Supervisor - Field 11 Karin Herrmann, Project Manager I Lisa Jacob, Project Manager 1I Barbara Shea, Admin. Support Spec. 11 Susan Levine, PBF Board APPROVED AGENDA (AS PRESENTED) I . Pledge of Allegiance 2. Roll Call 3. Agenda approval 4. Approval of 4/10/24 Regular Session meeting minutes 5. Audience comments 6. Administrator's report a. Capital Projects updates i. Sidewalk Phase H status ii. Operations Facility iii. Clam Pass dredging project iv. Coastal resiliency b. April 30 Financial Report 7. Committee Reports a. Landscape & Safety i. *Opening up of Crayton Rd. to Seagate Dr. 8. Chairman's Report a. June board meeting b. PBF Strategic Planning 9. Old Business 10. New Business/Miscellaneous Correspondence 11. Adjournment 1 Packet Pg. 619 Pelican Bay Services Division Board Regular Session 33.A.c May 8, 2024 ROLL CALL Mr. Ferland was absent and a quorum was established. AGENDA APPROVAL Ms. Hamilton motioned, Mr. Griffith seconded to approve the agenda as presented. The motion carried unanimously. Ms. Hamilton motioned, Mr. Griffith seconded to approve the 4/10/2024 regular I session meeting minutes as amended. The motion carried unanimously. AUDIENCE COMMENTS Dr. Raia complimented the PBSD on the sidewalk project. He also thanked the PBSD for the installation of an American flag at the intersection of Gulf Park Drive and US 41, although he would have preferred a central island installation of the flag at this intersection. ADMINISTRATOR'S REPORT OPERATIONS FACILITY Mr. Dorrill reported that the demolition of the Operations Facility was completed about a month ago. Phase 0 is underway which includes site work, including completing work on subsurface utilities and grading. Exotics on the west side were removed in advance of the demolition. Mr. Dorrill noted that our $5.34 million contract is with Heatherwood Construction, SIDEWALK PHASE H UPDATE Mr. Dorrill reported that although our sidewalk project is at substantial completion, our contractor has an extensive punch list to work through. The contracted price of this project is $5.4 million. CLAM PASS DREDGING PROJECT Mr. Dorrill reported that no bids were received for our Clam Pass dredging project at the recent bid opening. He suggested that potential contractors are working on more lucrative projects in Florida in the current post -hurricane cleanup environment. Mr. Dorrill noted that we have issued an addendum and extended the bid deadline to May 20. He commented that our Coastal Engineer is working on stirring up some interest on the project with a potential project bidder. Mr. Dorrill commented that if we are unable to attract a project bidder through the summer (storm season), and the Pass were to close, we would develop a contingency plan utilizing long reach track excavators to keep the inlet sustainable until we were able to perform a full hydraulic dredge after sea turtle nesting season in the Fall. He reported on the recent unexpected death of Mr. Ken Humiston, founder of Humiston & Moore. COASTAL RESILIENCY Mr. Dorrill reported that a beach dune swale recreation project was completed in Bay Colony about three years ago, and noted that a section at the south end in front of the Contessa was not part of that project as we found no PBSD drainage easements on the record for that area. With the help of consultants, we were able to address this area by obtaining an authorization and exemption to re-create 2 Packet Pg. 620 33.A.c Pelican Bay Services Division Board Regular Session May 8, 2024 the cross-section of the Swale to the design characteristics of the beach dune swale. Work was underway last week and is expected to be finished shortly. Contessa residents are very pleased with the work. A mangrove conservation area, south of the Contessa, owned by Bay Colony Assoc., has sustained a substantial die -off over the last year or two. The Contessa is evaluating some additional improvements to improve drainage and tidal exchange underneath the road. We have no easements in these areas. Mr. Dorrill commented on power point slides entitled, "Collier County Dune Restoration Planting," included in the agenda packet. He reported that recently staff met onsite with the County's Coastal Zone Management Dept. and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. There are two sections at Clam Pass Park that received substantial overwash from Hurricane Ian that destroyed a large section of the dune and the adjacent mangrove forest. There is a County grant -funded dune restoration project to re-create the plantings associated with the dune work that was completed immediately following the hurricane. No matching funds are required from the County or the PBSD. He noted that the prime beneficiary is Clam Pass Park. Mr. Dorrill explained that the project's contract includes growing the plantings as well as installation of the plantings. Mr. Damouni questioned Mr. Dorrill on whether we have any knowledge of Clam Pass Park boardwalk improvement plans by the County. Mr. Coleman commented that he will follow up with the County's Parks and Rec. Dept. to determine what their plans are for maintenance repair of loose boards. Mr. Dorrill commented that he will follow up on this issue with Mr. Dan Rodriguez, Deputy County Manager. Mr. Coleman provided a brief overview of the County's dune restoration project. He noted that the County has been working with the Naples Botanical Gardens and other environmental groups to select the appropriate species of plantings. Mr. Coleman suggested that it may be difficult to obtain over a million of these plants, as they are in limited supply. He noted that the project is now out to bid, and that planting will likely begin at the end of this summer. The Pelican Bay coastline (R-30.5 to R-36.3) is included in the project. Mr. Coleman commented that the Clam Bay Committee may opt to add additional similar plantings to the Pelican Bay shoreline after reviewing how this project's plantings respond to their environment. Mr. Coleman commented that we have installed plantings (recommended by our Earth Tech consultants) behind the Marker 36 facility, and continue to monitor growth, to determine how these plantings respond to this area. Mr. Coleman noted that it has been difficult to find large quantities of plants, such as sea oats. He suggested that we patiently monitor the new plantings, and if successful, we will add more plantings to this area. Mr. Coleman commented that limited plantings at South Beach have responded well to their environment, and new growth is visible in this area. He noted that Earth Tech, the Clam Bay Committee, and staff will continue to monitor these plantings. APRIL 30 FINANCIAL REPORT Mr. Dorrill reviewed the April 30 financial statements and discussed highlights including a current PBSD cash balance of approximately $13.8 million, $7.2 million in unspent capital project balances, $1.5 million in reserves, and $61,000 in interest earned over seven months. Mr. Coleman reported that our Street Lighting Fund has received $10,000 from the sale of our bucket truck. COMMITTEE REPORTS OPENING UP OF CRAYTON RD. TO SEAGATE DR. 3 Packet Pg. 621 33.A.c Pelican Bay Services Division Board Regular Session May 8, 2024 Mr. Fogg provided an overview of the issues related to Commissioner Hall's proposal to install a bike path (over the embankment/grassy knoll) from Crayton Rd. (north) to Seagate Dr. Highlights included the following. • An aerial photo of the intersection of Crayton Rd. and Seagate was provided and added to the record. This intersection contains crosswalks and stop signs. • Southbound cyclists have been observed riding over and wearing away the surface of the grassy knoll area, and cutting through the tennis court parking lot. Several years ago, the PBSD installed posts at the south end of Crayton Rd. (in the cul-de-sac) to prevent vehicles from driving through this area. • The grassy knoll area between the south end of Crayton Rd. and Seagate Dr. is platted for a roadway. However, before the County is able to construct a connection, a public hearing is required. • A bike path would be "less than contemplated" in the plat. Mr. Trent Waterhouse commented that the Crayton Rd, right-of-way is 96 feet wide, the cul- de-sac is 72 feet wide, and Crayton Rd. is 24 feet wide. He suggested that there is sufficient room for a road to be constructed through the grassy knoll. Dr. Chicurel provided a discussion of this issue which included the following highlights. • Tomorrow's town hall meeting at the PB Community Center will provide more specificity to exactly what Commissioner Hall's plans are. • Photos of the "no outlet" sign at the north end of Crayton Rd. (at the intersection of Pelican Bay Blvd.) and a pack of cyclists traveling south on Crayton Rd. were provided and added to the record. • The agenda packet included photos of the grassy knoll, as well as adjacent properties including Naples Grande property and a County water quality facility. • Installing a pathway over the grassy knoll will increase bicycle traffic (including motorcycles) on Crayton Rd. • Cyclists using PB roads blatantly disregard traffic laws. This disregard for laws relating to traffic signs and crosswalks are a safety issue for pedestrians and motorized vehicles. The Sheriff's Dept. has limited resources to police our roads. • Opening up a 12th public access point to Pelican Bay increases cyclist traffic, outside pedestrian traffic, and motorcycle access. • Cyclist traffic law violations observed include (1) not stopping at stop signs, (2) not stopping at crosswalks containing pedestrians, (3) not yielding to pedestrians in the road or sidewalk, (4) taking up the entire travel lane, even when there is no safety issue for them, and (5) riding more than two abreast on roads not marked for their exclusive use (i.e. bike lanes). • Opening up a 121h public access point increases the potential for crime. Recently there has been reports of (1) multiple mailbox thefts, (2) PBSD equipment thefts, (3) a robbery at Waterside Shops, and (4) vandalism to our new sidewalks. • A Crayton Rd./Seagate Dr. connection has the potential to attract motorcycles which would create ambient noise to the Naples Grande as well as the 10 communities that are on or border Crayton Rd. • When cyclists are riding in the road, they must obey the same traffic laws as vehicles. When cyclists are using a crosswalk, they are considered pedestrians. 4 Packet Pg. 622 33.A.c Pelican Bay Services Division Board Regular Session May S, 2024 ........... . Mr. Swider commented that speaking as a cyclist, some cyclists do obey the traffic laws. He suggested that Myra Janco Daniels Blvd. is not a better solution for southbound cyclists as this road is dangerously narrow for cyclists to safely travel on. Mr. Coleman commented on the water quality testing site at the south end of Crayton Rd. and suggested that it would not be easily relocated. Mr. Louis Merletti commented on (1) cyclists not stopping at stop signs, (2) multiple cyclists dangerously utilizing entire traffic lanes, and (3) golf carts driving over the grassy knoll in order to travel between Crayton Rd. and Seagate Dr. Mr. Trent Waterhouse comments included the following. • Pelican Bay is committed to ensure the safety of cyclists and pedestrians. • Recent PB security issues include bicycle thefts. • A study performed for the proposed coastal trail by the Pathways Coalition documented the federally protected woodpecker, blue heron, and gopher tortoise within one mile of the proposed bike path. • Myra Janco Daniels Blvd. is a safer solution for southbound cyclists as it has stop signs at the intersection of PB Blvd. and a traffic light at the intersection of Seagate Dr. Myra Janco Daniels Blvd. at its narrowest is 44 feet wide, and 72 feet wide at the intersection of Seagate Dr. • The master plans of the Artis-Naples and Waterside Shops include the removal of the Myra Janco Daniels Blvd. median within five years. This would allow for six-foot bike lanes in addition to two travel lanes and a turn lane. Until the median is removed, the short-term solution is for the PBSD to add two sharrows on Myra Janco Daniels Blvd. • The PBSD should consider installing a horizontal barrier at the south end of Crayton Rd. • If cyclists continue to cut through the tennis court parking lot, this may create a permissive easement on Naples Grande property. The Naples Grande should consider installing a horizontal barrier to prevent the development of such an easement. Mr. Hank Rossi commented that when this issue came to light about six years ago, he was part of a team (made up of Crayton Rd. residents) formed to investigate cyclist traffic on Crayton Rd. This team observed many instances of cyclists who did not follow the traffic rules. He noted that he can provide these photos to any interested parties. Mr. Rossi commented on two PB bicycle accidents he was witness to as well as elderly residents on Crayton Rd. who regularly walk their dogs on Crayton Rd. He suggested that Myra Janco Daniels Blvd. would be a better alternative for cyclist traffic. Ms. Kay Soltysiak, President of the Lugano Association, located on Crayton Rd., commented on biker clubs who frequent Pelican Bay roads including the Naples Velo Club which on their website shows a video of a pack of bikers not stopping at a stop sign. She commented that she is in agreement with Dr. Chicurel and expressed her concern for the safety and security of pedestrians and dog walkers. She suggested that the proposed bike path would invite misbehavior and that Myra Janco Daniels Blvd. is a better alternative. Ms. Mary Anne Beirne commented on the bombardment of bike traffic on Crayton Rd. Ms. Carol Grones commented on (1) cars going through the stop sign at the intersection of Seagate Dr. and Crayton Rd., (2) constant bike traffic at the south end of Crayton Rd., and (3) a former split -rail fence installed across the grassy knoll which was removed a number of years ago after an accident at this site. E Packet Pg. 623 33.A.c Pelican Bay Services Division Board Regular Session May 8, 2024 Ms. Sarah Ford commented that she agreed with all of the former comments and suggested that we should not go forward with any changes to the grassy knoll area until we know what the Naples Grande has planned for their properties adjacent to this area. Mr. Harvey Hirst, an avid cyclist, commented (1) a bike path across the grassy knoll would not be a safety issue, (2) the intersection of Crayton Rd. & Seagate Dr. is hazardous to cross, (3) an engineered solution should be investigated, and (4) Myra Janco Daniels Blvd. is the preferred alternative. Mr. Swider questioned whether there is any way to accelerate the removal of the median on Myra Janco Daniels Blvd. Mr. Fogg responded that the PBSD Board is an advisory board, and as such, we have no actual standing to recommend this action. Our ordinance does not include a responsibility for road safety. Mr. Fogg commented that tomor7ow's tow hall meeting is important for concerned residents to attend and voice their opinions. He noted that Commissioner Hall brought this issue up at a BCC meeting and that eventually it will be brought to the full BCC for a vote. Mr. Fogg commented that Pelican Bay documents require a County public hearing if a Crayton Rd./Seagate Dr. connection is to occur. He noted that a bike pathway may not rise to the definition of a connection. Mr. Fogg suggested that if access to Pelican Bay increases, then all of the bicycle issues will also increase. He suggested that Mr. Waterhouse's solution is a good one. Mr. Fogg encouraged residents to attend tomorrow's town hall meeting, and noted that PBSD Board members may attend and express their personal opinions (not that of the PBSD Board). Mr. Dorrill commented that PBSD Board members should not say anything which may reflect future PBSD Board voting intent. LANDSCAPE & SAFETY COMMITTEE REPORT Dr. Chicurel provided the following updates, included in his "Landscape & Safety Committee Update Report," which was included in the agenda packet. 1. The County has completed traffic studies on the intersections along Gulf Park Dr. to determine if enough criteria are present to warrant a 3-way stop for both or one of the intersections with Green Tree Dr. or Ridgewood Dr. (to replace the existing ambiguous signage). Mr. Coleman reported that the studies concluded that the parameters do not show that a 3-way stop is warranted at these intersections. He requested that the studies be redone in season. Mr. Fogg requested that staff ask for similar studies to be completed for the intersections of Hammock Oak Dr. and North Point Dr., both at their intersections with PB Blvd. 2. The U-turn lane line -of -sight issue on US 41 (the first U-turn opening after snaking a right turn onto US 41 from Gulf Park Dr.) has been mitigated and addressed. 3. PBSD staff recently met with CCSO community policing deputies, and items discussed included 1) when school is out, extra patrols will be available to us, after 4:00 p.m., in four- hour blocks for two days at a time, (2) "Crime Prevention & Community Policing" seminars and informational meetings are available to groups and associations upon request, and (3) vandalism of sidewalks, mailbox thefts, and PBSD/County equipment theft. 4. According to FDOT, the crash data does not meet the criteria needed for FDOT to modify the US 41 median at the Gulf Park Dr./US 41 intersection. Also, it has now been learned that the "quick curb" short-term solution is also not possible, because FDOT's Maintenance Dept. does not allow a short-term solution that does not have a permanent remedy scheduled within five years. on Packet Pg. 624 33.A.c Pelican Bay Services Division Board Regular Session May 8, 2024 Dr. Chicurel commented that the news on the US 41 median was very disappointing, but noted that if US 41 is resurfaced sometime in the future, that this may be an opportunity for a quick curb and/or median modification. He commented that we will continue to look at other alternative solutions. Mr. Fogg suggested that a public meeting with FDOT and PB residents to discuss the intersection of Gulf Park Dr. and US 41 may exert more influence on FDOT. Dr. Chicurel commented that we need additional clarification on extra Sheriff patrols, which will be discussed at a future Landscape & Safety Committee meeting. Mr. Coleman commented that the patrols are not free, and that in prior years, the PBSD budgeted $30,000/year for these extra patrols. Mr. Fogg asked for an update on the tree assessment of Pelican Bay Blvd. Dr. Chicurel commented that a pilot assessment of Green Tree Dr. was completed and that an assessment of Pelican Bay Blvd. is ongoing. Mr. Coleman reported that only a few areas on Green Tree Dr. were identified as suitable to plant a new tree. Mr. Dorrill suggested that new tree opportunity assessments is put on the agenda of the next L&S Committee meeting, for discussion of potential locations subject to (1) access to irrigation, and (2) a willing homeowner who would be willing to receive a tree in the road right-of-way. Mr. Coleman commented that proper root barriers would also be necessary. Mr. Dorrill commented that he has had a discussion with Dr. Chicurel on working together to perform an assessment of areas on Pelican Bay Blvd. that warrant additional canopy trees. Dr. Chicurel commented that he will schedule a June L&S Committee meeting to discuss these issues. CHAIRMAN'S REPORT JUNE BOARD MEETING Mr. Fogg announced that there will be no June PBSD Board meeting, and that the next board meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, July 10. PBF STRATEGIC PLANNING Mr. Fogg commented that the PBF's mission is to prepare a strategic plan for Pelican Bay which includes many activities, some of which intertwine with the PBSD. He noted that we will work together on those intersecting activities. Mr. Fogg commented that we maintain approximately 90 acres of property in Pelican Bay, 50% of which is owned by the PBF. The PBF is currently working with a consultant to develop a strategic plan. Mr. Fogg reported that our ordinance allows for the PBF to appoint one non -voting board member to our board, without our approval. The PBF has appointed Mr. Brad Hildebrandt to our board, who shall be approved by the BCC at the May 28 BCC meeting. Mr. Dorrill will follow up with the County Attorney's Office to determine whether Mr. Hildebrandt must follow Florida Sunshine Law in the same exact way as our voting board members. Mr. Fogg reported that Mr. Stone is scheduled to be appointed to the PBSD Board at the May 14 BCC meeting. OLD BUSINESS OAKMONT LAKE UPDATES Mr. Fogg thanked Mr. Greenfield for working with a neighbor on landscape improvements to the area adjacent to Oakmont Lake. He reported that a fountain has been installed in Oakmont Lake and that the PBF is working on getting power to it. ADDITIONAL AUDIENCE COMMENTS 7 Packet Pg. 625 33.A.c Pelican Bay Services Division Board Regular Session May 8, 2024 Mr. Andy Deimitriou commented on vehicles parked on the south end of Crayton Rd. (adjacent to Bay Villas), when the tennis court parking lot is full. He noted that the Sheriff's Dept, has recommended that additional "no parking" signs are added on Crayton Rd. including the cul-de-sac. Dr. Chicurel will follow up to see if this is possible. Mr. Dorrill confirmed that vehicles are not allowed to park on Crayton Rd. Mr. Fritz Mayhew asked for an opinion on what entity, such as the PBSD, PBF, or County, is the best option to seek solutions and help manage traffic, safety, and bicycle issues in general. Mr. Dorrill commented that we have used the Sheriff's Dept through our community policing officer. In the past, we have contracted off -duty deputies to perform additional patrols and directed activities. Due to school shootings in the past, these patrols have not been available for a number of years. However, we have now learned that contracted patrols are available again, after 4 p.m. Mr. Dorrill noted that most of the recreational cyclist activity occurs in the early morning when these contracted patrols are not available. Mr. Fogg suggested that the only solution seems to be for the Sheriff's Dept. to issue enough tickets over a period of time to cause the behavior of the cyclists to change. He suggested that staff and the L&S Committee obtain additional information on the contracted extra patrols. The meeting was adionrned at 2:50 VchacI Fogg, h aasese Minutes approv ded ORL _____.] as amended ON date Packet Pg. 626