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PBSD Landscape & Safety Minutes 09/23/2024PELICAN BAY SERVICES DIVISION LANDSCAPE & SAFETY COMMITTEE MEETING SEPTEMBER 23, 2024 The Landscape &Safety Committee of the Pelican Bay Services Division met on Monday, September 23 at 1:30 p.m. at the PBSD Office Conference Room, Suite 102,801 Laurel Oak Drive, Naples, FL. The following members attended. Landscape &Safety Committee Joe Chicurel, Chairman Jack Cullen (absent) Peter Griffith Pelican Bay Services Division Staff Neil Dorrill, Administrator (absent) Dawn Brewer, Ops. Support Spec. II Chad Coleman, Deputy Director Darren Duprey, Supervisor — Field I Also Present Tony D'Errico, Pelican Bay Foundation Susan Hamilton Brad Hildebrandt (absent) Greg Stone (by telephone) Michael Weir Dave Greenfield, Supervisor —Field II Karin Herrmann, Project Manager I (absent) Lisa Jacob, Project Manager II (absent) Barbara Shea, Admin. Support Spec. II APPROVED AGENDA (AS PRESENTED) 1. Pledge of Allegiance 2. Roll Call 3. Agenda Approval 4. Approval of 6/26/24 Meeting Minutes 5. Audience Comments 6. Administrator's Report a. Sidewalk Project Update 7. Pelican Bay Foundation's Landscaping &Tree Canopy Strategic Plan Update (Presented by PBF President To D'Errico) a. Understanding Collier County ROW (Right of Way), easements, and maintenance of landscaping (staff presentation) 8. *Criteria & considerations to determine if an area is suitable for tree planting and/or to establish a tree canopy a. Staff presentation of tree replacement planting on Pelican Bay Bld. South 9. Discussion on CCSO extra police patrols 10. Signage changes on Gulf Park Drive 11. Adjournment Pelican Bay Services Division Landscape &Safety Committee Meeting September 23, 2024 120LL CALL Mr. Cullen and Mr. Hildebrandt were absent and a quorum was established. MR. STONE PARTICIPATED BY TELEPHONE IMs. Hamilton motioned, Mr. Griffith seconded to approve the agenda as I aresented. The motion carried unanimously. IMs. Hamilton motioned, Mr. Griffith seconded to approve the 6/26/24 meeting I minutes as presented. The motion carried unanimously. AUDIENCE COMMENTS Ms. Beth Schultz, PBPOA President, questioned whether the PBF and the PBSD are aware of the item on the BCC (Board of County Commissioners) consent agenda to approve a new bike path which would connect Crayton Road with Seagate Drive. Mr. Tony D'Errico, PBF President, commented that the 1'BF is aware and is having discussions with their attorney on this issue. Mr. Coleman commented that the PBSD is now aware. ADMINISTRATOR'SREPQRT SIDEWALK PROJECT UPDATE Mr. Coleman commented that our sidewalk project is currently in a holding pattern as we have issued a stop order to Quality Enterprises, while we are in the process of obtaining BCC approval for project change orders. QE will be returning in October and work through November to complete several items on the punch list, work on two driveways and de -curbing, and complete landscape mitigation in a few areas. Sidewalk placement is 100%complete. Mr. Coleman noted that the new sidewalk has been well received by the community. Mr. Griffith commented on concerns he has received from Mr. Rick Lillie. Mr. Coleman commented that he has communicated with Mr. Lillie and discussed these concerns with him. He noted that our engineer is reviewing the area of concern and is developing aplan/recommendation to address it. Currently a stop order is in place with QE. COMMENTS BY DR. CHICUREL ON THE PELICAN BAY COMMUNITY Dr. Chicurel commented that Pelican Bay is a unique open community, containing public County roads, with 11 access points. It includes commercial units which are part of a taxing unit, referred to as an MSTBU, which benefit from the extra County services provided. Mr. Griffith commented that the PBSD is a division of County govermnent and that we are co -located with Pelican Bay. Dr. Chicurel commented that our board members are elected and then approved by the BCC. PBF'S LANDSCAPING &TREE CANOPY STRATEGIC PLAN UPDATE Mr. Tony D'Errico, PBF President, provided an update on the PBF's landscaping &tree canopy sttrategic plan. He noted that in March 2024, the PBF Board approved a 3-year strategic plan which includes specific goals. I-Ie stated that goal #6 is to maintain and enhance Pelican Bay's 2 Pelican Bay Services Division Landscape &Safety Committee Meeting September 23, 2024 infrastructure, visual appeal, and ambiance of quiet beauty and noted that he and Marian Jacobson are co -leads on this goal. He also noted that under this goal, objective #2 is to create a Master Landscape Plan covering standards, jurisdiction, and enforcement that applies to all property owners and maintenance within Pelican Bay. Mr. D'Enico reported that the PBF hired Florida GIS solutions to create a GIS map of the PUD which identifies ownership and various jurisdictions, which can be shared with the PBSD. The next step is to hire a landscape architect to develop acommunity-wide landscape master plan. He noted that in a May 2024 community survey, 80% of responding residents stated that landscaping and tree canopy were of high importance. Mr. D'Errico suggested that we make a roadmap that everyone can agree on. He commented that beauty is quite subjective; some residents might prefer natural old Florida landscaping, while others might prefer a formal manicured look. Mr. D'Errico commented that the PBF's relationship with the PBSD has been outstanding and that the PBF would like the Landscape &Safety Committee to be a partner in this endeavor. Mr. D'Errico reported that the PBF has interviewed five landscape architects so far, and that four of the five indicated that they no longer do work for HOAs. He noted that the PBF is now evaluating the proposal from the fifth architect, and continues to seek additional proposals. Mr. D'Errico commented that the PBF is looking for more insight into PBSD's thoughts on the PB canopy and thanked the PBSD for their continuous work on beautification in Pelican Bay. Dr. Chicurel had the following questions and comments for Mr. D'Errico. • In Goal #6, what type of infrastructure are you referring? Mr. D'Errico commented that it is genera] infrastructure including signage, lighting, and landscaping. • Are there specifics to creating a Master Landscape Plan? Mr. D'Enico commented that there are no specifics and that PBF's desire to develop a landscape plan is not an indictment on PBSD work. • The PBSD delivers specific beautification as described in the "PBSD Board Functions, Powers, and Duties" included in the agenda packet. • The PBSD identifies landscaping needs on a daily basis and typically responds to resident concerns/complaints within 24 hours. Ms. Marian Jacobson asked Dr. Chicurel for his view/definition of what beautification is. Dr. Chicurel commented that we work within our landscape guidelines and that the reality is that beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Ms. Jacobson commented that she would prefer• that beauty in Pelican Bay is in the eye of the strategic consensus. Dr. Chicurel commented that line -of -sight, maintenance, and safety must also be considered. He also noted that some areas may have special requirements such as the landscaping on the US 41 berm requires sound and sight considerations. Mr. Trent Waterhouse commented that some PB residents would like Pelican Bay to look like a park, which would violate NRPA (Natural Resource Protection Area) requirements. Dr. Chicurel commented that the PBF survey results show that 79% of respondents believe that landscaping and tree canopy have a high importance to our premier community, while only 23% believe landscaping and tree canopy are important to one's personal enjoyment. Ms. Jacobson explained that respondents were forced to pick tluee items which are "important to my personal enjoyment," which explains the disconnect. Ms. Beth Schultz, PBPOA President, commented (1) residents would like the canopy trees restored, (2) willing homeowners and condo owners are needed to plant trees on their property, (3) a positive tree planting plan is needed, and (4) it is important for the PBF to select a landscape architect that is a Florida company or who has Florida expertise. 3 Pelican Bay Services Division Landscape &Safety Committee Meeting September 23, 2024 Ms. Jan Johnson, a Collier County master gardener, commented that the Univ. of Florida Extension Office has "Florida Friendly Plantings" brochures available. Mr. Griffith thanked Dr. Chicurel for being inshumental in getting the new sidewalk project completed. He noted that when walking on these new sidewalks, residents want to walk in the shade of trees, especially in the summer. Mr•. Weir commented that it is important to select trees that do not drop waste (berries, seeds, etc.) on the sidewalks, causing increased maintenance issues. Ms. Susan Griffith commented on (1) the attractiveness of the large number of trees in Miami's Coconut Grove, and (2) her dissatisfaction with being told of the many reasons why trees cannot be planted (in many areas of Pelican Bay) for a year. Mr. Griffith followed up and commented that these reasons are based on untrue assumptions. He commented that 40 trees have been lost on Ridgewood Drive, and only 3 replacement trees have been approved (by the PBSD). Dr. Chicurel explained that additional trees have not been approved as a result of utility conflicts and line -of --sight issues. As Dr. Chicurel was speaking, Mr. Griffith interrupted Dr. Chicurel and asked, "When are you going to resign? You know you should." At this point Dr. Chicurel responded that Mr. Griffith can speak when recognized. He also reminded Mr. Griffith that he has the power to make a motion at any time that he chooses and that efforts to disrupt the meeting are out of line. UNDERSTANDING COLLIER COUNTY ROW (RIGHT OF WAY) EASEMENTS AND MAINTENANCE OF LANDSCAPING Dr. Chicurel commented that definitions of easement and right -of --way (ROW) permitting were provided in the agenda packet. He explained that the PBSD would need a permit for any work done in the ROW. Mr. Coleman commented that the PBSD obtained a permit for our new sidewalk. He explained that the ROW is owned by the County and that we would need a permit to plant in the ROW. Mr. Coleman commented that an HOA can apply for a permit to plant in the ROW. He noted that the permit would describe who maintains the plantings in the future. Mr. Griffith commented that we should go through the permit process (to plant trees in the ROW) if required, and obtain BCC approval if necessary. Mr. Coleman commented that we have hired an independent professional landscape architect to determine where trees can be planted, without any specifications of "volume" of trees. Mr•. Stone commented that he would resist planting any trees which would create a safety issue, and that we cannot increase any risk to pedestrians or vehicles. Ms. Jacobson suggested that we ask our landscape architect what it would take to achieve a replanting of trees every 30 feet and suggested that we need to exhaust all angles on this issue. She commented that it must be possible to replant trees in the locations where trees used to exist. Dr. Chicurel commented that maybe we should look at a Phase 2 of tree planting in which we would look at ways to mitigate restrictions on tree planting identified in Phase 1. Mr. Waterhouse commented that the landscape architect, hired by the PBSD, has the expertise to identify conflicts with Collier County Water, sewer lines, FPL, gas lines, and three Internet providers' infrashucture, within the ROW. These entities all have rights. He also commented that 40 years ago, when Westinghouse planted trees, they never anticipated how high these trees would grow, and that now some of these species are considered invasive. Dr. Chicurel suggested that we continue with our Phase I tree planting project, with our landscape architect identifying locations for tree planting on the remaining sheets in Pelican Bay (2 streets have been completed). Mr. Weir and Ms. Hamilton agreed. Dr. Chicurel commented 4 Pelican Bay Services Division Landscape &Safety Committee Meeting September 23, 2024 that once Phase 1 is complete, we will look at mitigating techniques for a Phase 2 tree planting project. He noted that he believes it is not realistic to achieve a tree canopy throughout Pelican Bay. Mr. D'I;rrico commented that the PBF and PBSD need a unified vision. Ms. Griffith conunented on the existence of many 100-year-old communities that contain large trees, and have no apparent conflicts with their infrastructure. Mr. Waterhouse commented that cities such as Boston and New York City have their utility infrastructure many stories underground. He suggested that if we were to request that utilities relocate their infrastructure, that they would likely agree to this only if we were to pay for the expense of the relocation. CRITERIA &CONSIDERATIONS TO DETERMINE IF AN AREA IS SUITABLE FOR TREE PLANTING AND/OR TO ESTABLISH A TREE CANOPY Not discussed. TREE REPLACEMENT PLANTING ON PELICAN BAY BLVD. SOUTH Not discussed. CCSO EXTRA POLICE PATROLS Dr. Chicurel commented that the cost and timing of our proposed CCSO residential community patrols for FY25 was provided in the agenda packet. Mr. Coleman commented that this additional information was requested by the board at the last board meeting. He noted that based on this schedule, we will obtain the extra police patrols for 30 weeks (from November to May), at an expected cost of $27-28,000. Mr. Coleman commented that historically, the PBSD budgeted $30,000/year for this service. The committee agreed that we should move forward with this schedule. SIGNAGE CHANGES ON GULF PARK DRIVE Dr. Chicurel commented that on Gulf Park Drive, approaching US 41, the sign stating, "Right Lane Must Turn Right" will be replaced with "No Left Turn." He noted that we are obligated to keep the other two signs (as shown in the agenda packet) at this location. Mr. Weir commented that eastbound drivers on Gulf Park Drive, approaching Green Tree Drive, will see a sign that says, "Merge Right." He suggested that this sign is very confusing and should be removed, as it would include those drivers making a left onto Green Tree Drive. The committee agreed. Mr. Coleman commented that he will look at getting permission to remove it. Mr. Stone suggested that we install "surface mount flexible stake 36 inch yellow" traffic control directors/poles at this intersection to force drivers (approaching US41) into the right lane. Mr. Coleman provided a photo of how these poles would look when installed. He commented that he will look into the feasibility of installing these poles at this intersection. Mr. Coleman reported that FDOT has completed a preliminary "signal justification" report for the intersection of Gulf Park Drive and US41. He commented that per FDOT requirements, a second report is required. However, at this time, there is no funding for a second report. OTHER COMMENTS Mr. Coleman reported that sharrows have been repainted tloughout Pelican Bay, including new sharrows on Myra Janco Daniels Blvd. Mr. Waterhouse reported that tomonow's BCC Consent Agenda includes the approval to open up Crayton Road at Seagate Drive via a pathway. The PB President's Council, the PBPOA, 5 Pelican Bay Services Division Landscape &Safety Committee Meeting September 23, 2024 and the PBF are allowing Mr. Waterhouse to represent them at the BCC meeting, to continent that all three entities do not support the opening up of Crayton Rd. at Seagate Dr. arrd that their positions have not changed. Mr. Waterhouse commented that he has been in touch with all five Commissioner Assistants in recent days. He noted that at a BCC meeting in May 2024, the Commissioners agreed to table this issue. Mr. Waterhouse commented that he believes this issue was brought forward by Commissioner Hall, as Commissioner Hall has a personal preference for the installafion of a bike path as he is a biker in Pelican Bay. The County's cost of installation of the new pathway would be approximately $75,000. Mr. Waterhouse commented that per FDOT guidelines, such a pathway must be ten feet wide, similar to a car lane. He concluded that based on his conversations with Commissioners, he is fairly confident that the item will be pulled at the beginning of the BCC meeting. Dr. Chicm•el commented that if approved, this new pathway would be the 12��' entrance into Pelican Bay. Mr. Waterhouse suggested that traffic safety signage, indicating that vehicles must allow tluee feet between their vehicle and a bicycle when passing a cyclist, be placed in the community. Staff will research this suggestion. Mr. Waterhouse reported that the PBF Lifestyle Team is in the process of organizing an informational session by the President ofNaples Velo, which is the largest cycling group in Naples. He suggested that this would be an opportunity for the PBSD to weigh in on bicycle safety. Dr. Chicurel suggested that the CCSO also participates at this presentation. The meeting was adjourned at 3:15 o Chicurel, Chairman Minutes approved L__�as presented OR [_� as amended ON 3 �� a�� date