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PBSD Landscape & Safety Minutes 03/27/2025PELICAN BAY SERVICES DIVISION LANDSCAPE & SAFETY COMMITTEE MEETING MARCH 27, 2025 The Landscape & Safety Committee of the Pelican Bay Services Division met on Thursday, March 27 at 1:30 p.m. at the Community Center at Pelican Bay, 8960 Hammock Oak Drive, Naples, FL. The following members attended. Landscape &Safety Committee Joe Chicurel, Chairman Jack Cullen Peter Griffith Pelican Bay Services Division Staff Neil Don•ill, Administrator Dawn Brewer, Ops. Support Spec. II Chad Coleman, Deputy Director Darren Duprey, Supervisor — Field I Also Present Tony D'Enico, Pelican Bay Foundation Josh Hildebrand, Johnson Engineering Sgt. Mitchell Kelley, CCSO Susan Hamilton (absent) Brad Hildebrandt Greg Stone (by telephone) Michael Weir Dave Greenfield, Supervisor —Field II Karin Herrmann, Project Manager I Lisa Jacob, Project Manager II (absent) Jose Mendoza, Supervisor — Field I Barbara Shea, Admin Support Spec. II Susan Levine, Pelican Bay Foundation Cp1. Robert Reed, CCSO APPROVED AGENllA (AS AMENDED) 1. Pledge of Allegiance 2. Roll Call 3. Agenda Approval 4. Approval of 9/23/24 Meeting Minutes 5. Audience Comments a. CCSO Report on the Pelican Bay special detail program (add -on) 6. Administrator's Report 7. *Crosswalk Presentation — Johnson Engineering 8. Sharrow Road Markings a. Jan. 1, 2018 FDOT Design Changes 9. US41 & Gulf Park Dr. (Right Turn Only) Update 10. County Traffic Study Results a. North Pointe Dr. & Pelican Bay Blvd. b. Hammock Oak Dr. & Pelican Bay Blvd. & The Crescent I1. Adjournment ROLL CALL Ms. Hamilton was absent and a quorum was established. MR. STONE PARTICIPATED BY TELEPHONE Pelican Bay Services Division Landscape & Safety Committee Meeting March 27, 2025 Mr. Cullen motioned, Mr. Griffith seconded to approve the agenda as amended with the addition of item #5a. The motion carried unanimously. Mr. Griffith motioned, Mr. Cullen seconded to approve the 9/23/24 meeting minutes as Dresented. The motion carried unanimously. CHAIR COMMENT Dr. Chicurel informed the audience that audience members may speak for a maximum of three minutes, either at the beginning or end of an agenda item, at the pleasure of the Chair. He noted that the meeting will not be conducted as a "workshop." CCSO REPORT ON THE PELICAN BAY SPECIAL DETAIL PROGRAM (ADD -ON) Cpl. Reed, Collier County Sheriff's Office, provided a report on the Pelican Bay special detail program, from Jan. 1 — Mar. 23, on Wednesdays and Saturdays during four-hour shifts. Highlights included over 1000 traffic stops during this time period and CCSO responses to 3362 citizen calls. He commented that he will provide more detail of the traffic stops to staff. AUDIENCE COMMENTS Ms. Cindy Polke commented that she was providing a copy of the PBF single family residential landscape design guidelines, which can be found on the PBF website. She commented, (1) Who is our arborist? (2) Do we have a landscape architect? (3) Can we create an approved plantings list? and (4) on resident dissatisfaction with newly planted landscaping adjacent to Oakmont Lake. Dr. Chicurel commented that in the recent past we have used an arborist to assist with new tree placement. Mr. Coleman commented that our consultant LJA provided consulting services for tree replacement subsequent to the completion of our sidewalk project. Mr. Dorrill commented that although we have no landscape architect on contract currently, we have consulted with Ms. Ellen Goetz on landscape projects in the recent past. He noted that we typically use an arborist for specific issues. Mr. Dorrill commented that the PBSD has no authority for architectural controls on private property; the PBF has these controls. He noted that PBF guidelines do not extend to our public right-of-way areas, which we are responsible for. Mr. Dorrill commented that our new maintenance building received PBF design review approval before construction began. Mr. John Van Slyke commented on (1) the high level of traffic and speeding on Pelican Bay Blvd. and Gulf Park Dr., (2) revisiting dedicated bike lanes, and (3) dangerous confrontations among bicyclists and pedestrians on our sidewalks. In response, Dr. Chicurel commented (1) bike lanes were vigorously discussed by the public and the board in 2014; bike lane approval was voted down by one board member's vote, (2) resurface of PB roads is scheduled for 2033, at which time it would be appropriate to revisit installing bike lanes, and (3) the PBSD is now working to be in compliance with FDOT sharrow design requirements. Mr. Dave Burns commented that although a majority of drivers are courteous to bicyclists, a small percentage are jeopardizing the safety of bicyclists. Dr. Chicurel commented that drivers are non -compliant, and that the PBSD is doing what it can per code, and is continuing to provide educational articles in the PBF Post and e-blast. 2 Pelican Bay Services Division Landscape & Safety Committee Meeting March 27, 2025 Ms. Susan O'Brien commented that there were 24 speakers on the issue of installing a bike lane at the Sept. 2014 PBSD Board meeting. She noted that the motion to install bike lanes failed mostly because residents were concerned about "thinner" traffic lanes. This was a very controversial issue. Mr. Mike Walsh commented that he recently had a bicycle accident on a narrow roadway; his injuries included a broken rib, a broken clavicle, and a broken helmet. He noted that as a 14- year bicyclist, Pelican Bay Blvd. is the only road on which he does not feel safe. ADMINISTRATOR'S REPORT Mr. Dorrill commented that he has asked the County Attorney's Office to research as to whether Mr. Hildebrandt (PBF appointed non -voting board member) can be counted as part of a PBSD board and/or committee quorum. Mr. Dorrill reported that Quality Enterprises, our sidewalk project contractor, was issued a stop order in November 2024, pending a payment dispute. Since then, the contractor has provided the necessary backup documentation, and has received payment for completed work. Mr. Dorrill commented that we need to reaffirm a date for remobilization to complete two open task orders (work directives) and schedule a final project inspection. Staff is working with Johnson Engineering to obtain a date for QE's remobilization. He noted that substantial retainage funds will not be paid to QE until a final approved inspection is completed. Mr. Josh Hildebrand, CEI Project Manager with Johnson Engineering, commented that the sidewalk project includes a one- year warrantee starting on the date that the project is certified. Mr. Dorrill noted that pavers have been returned to the Crescent community and that the Hotwire cable wire which was previously observed parallel and adjacent to the back side of the sidewalk, is no longer present. Dr. Chicurel commended Mr. Dorrill on his efforts on our sidewalk project. Mr. Dorrill commented that the PBF has hired a consultant to provide a GIS overlay of the ownership of all properties within Pelican Bay. Ms. Susan Levine confirmed that this project has been completed. Mr. Dorrill has asked Mr. Coleman to provide a schedule of the locations where the PBSD has installed new landscaping in FY25. CROSSWALK PRESENTATION — JOHNSON ENGINEERING Dr. Chicurel conunented that a graphic illustration of a bicyclist accident resulting from a PH paver crosswalk was provided in the agenda packet. He noted that Johnson Engineering was tasked with providing a presentation on crosswalk improvement options. Mr. Hildebrand provided a handout entitled, "Pelican Bay Crosswalk Improvement," which was provided to the committee and audience, and added to the record. Highlights of his presentation included the following. • The initial goal is for a pilot crosswalk replacement project at the intersection of Gulf Park Drive and Ridgewood Drive, which has the greatest frequency of repairs. • A photo of the existing crosswalk, with visible sand on the surface was provided. • A diagram of the existing crosswalk, with base layers below was provided. • The goal is to develop a plan to address three goals, (1) Americans with Disabilities Act compliance, (2) safety, to include a slip resistant surface and proper signage, and (3) reduction of long-term maintenance, to include the reduction of cracking and displaced pavers, and loss of sand. • Recommended improvements would include removing existing brick pavers, sand, and mortar, and replacing with concrete, asphalt, or a new type of brick paver. • Seven concrete color options (ranging from red to earth tones) were provided. 3 Pelican Bay Services Division Landscape & Safety Committee Meeting March 27, 2025 • Examples of four concrete stamped pattern options were provided. • Next steps include (1) choose a material, color, and/or pattern, (2) design and permit the improvements, (3) bid and construct the improvements, and (4) evaluate the result for future implementation throughout Pelican Bay. Dr. Chicure l commented that it will take time to complete replacement of all of our 26 paver crosswalks. He emphasized the need to maximize safety. Ms. Cindy Polke questioned which type of material is recommended. Mr. Hildebrand commented that he is not advocating for or against pavers. He noted that if the paver option is selected, then stronger pavers and a stronger limerock base would be used for replacement materials. Mr. Hildbrand commented that concrete is the cheaper option, which can include the option of a "paver pattern." Ms. Susan O'Brien questioned when the estimated costs of the different options would be available. Mr. Hildebrand commented that for both crosswalks at the pilot intersection, the cost of concrete would be approximately $75,000 (including permits, design, and contractor mobilization), with an additional $34,000 for color and/or an additional $5-6,000 for a stamped pattern. Mr. Buck Lloyd questioned whether concrete pattern stamping will fade over time. Mr. Hildebrand confirmed that it would fade slightly over time. He suggested a dyed color would hold up a bit better. Mr. Coleman questioned whether a colored crosswalk could be repainted in the future. Mr. Hildebrand commented that he would research this. Mr. Geoffrey Gibson commented that he is in favor of pavers and maintaining our high Pelican Bay standards, and noted that he was a member of the PBSD Board when the current pavers were selected. He suggested that polymeric sand set chamfered edged pavers would be preferable Mr. Dorrill commented that our existing pavers do not fade. He suggested that staff needs to schedule a pre -application meeting with the County to determine whether they are agreeable to a stamped concrete crosswalk and noted that some stamped concrete will be slick when wet. Mr. Hildebrand commented that replacement concrete would have to be slick resistant. Mr. Dorrill commented that we need better cost information in order to move forward. Mr. Hildebrand commented that either mud -set or sand -set pavers will have future maintenance issues. He noted that if mud -set is used in between pavers it will be more challenging to replace a cracked paver. Mr. Griffith questioned how our PB crosswalks are holding up in general, in light of the huge increase in truck traffic in recent years. Ms. Herrmann commented that staff recently had crosswalks repaired in 18 areas; almost all failed within a few months. Mr. Hildebrand suggested that if pavers were the selected material, then we would need to explore stronger pavers that would handle bigger traffic loads. Mr. Hildebrandt suggested that we obtain PBF input on this issue, as the material selected will affect the aesthetics of our community. SHARROW ROAD MARKINGS Dr. Chicurel reported that Dr. Paul Krawitz recently informed us that we are not in compliance with FDOT I/l/2018 sharow guidelines (including size and placement), which were included in the agenda packet. He noted that in lieu of bike lanes, we have sharrows. Dr. Chicurel commented that we are in the process of contracting for new sharrow markings which will be in 4 Pelican Bay Services Division Landscape & Safety Committee Meeting March 27, 2025 compliance with FDOT guidelines with respect to size and placement (250 feet apart). He noted that the issue of a bike lane cannot be entertained at this time as the roads are striped and the striping cannot be removed (this would be an aesthetic nightmare and a safety issue). Dr. Chicurel commented that we will continue to place educational communications in the PBF Post and e-blast for community awareness. He noted that "share the road" signs will be replaced by "bicycle may use full lane" signs. Mr. Griffith commented that we continue to install a lot of street signs throughout Pelican Bay and suggested that drivers ignore them because of the abundance of signs. Ms. O'Brien questioned whether a decision has been made on whether to use thermoplastic sharrows, and noted that in the past when we had thermoplastic sharrows, bicyclists complained and as a result, the PBSD stopped using this material. Dr. Chicurel commented that no decision has been made on the use of thermoplastic sharrows. US41 &GULF PARK DR. UPDATE Dr. Chicurel commented that the County Attorney has recently affirmed that PBSD assessments cannot be spent outside of the borders of the PBSD taxing district; our eastern border is the curb of the US41 berm. He noted that FDOT has informed us that when US41 is resurfaced in 2027, the project will include a median modification so that vehicles will be unable to make a left onto US41 when exiting Pelican Bay on Gulf Park Drive, COUNTY TRAFFIC STUDY RESULTS Dr. Chicurel reported that the County has completed traffic studies at Pelican Bay Blvd, intersections with North Pointe Dr. and Hammock Oak Dr. and determined that the installation of a new three-way stop is not warranted at either intersection. He noted that board members and staff have received requests for the addition of stop signs from pedestrians, bicyclists, and the Crescent community. There are now more pedestrians and bicyclists traveling on our new sidewalks. Ms. Herrmann commented that the traffic studies only considered vehicle traffic; bicycle traffic was not considered. Mr. Geoffrey Gibson commented that several years ago, the County initially turned down a request for stop signs at the intersection of PB Blvd. and Ridgewood Dr., and then later reversed themselves after an appeal was made. He also commented that Pelican Bay Blvd. is a "cut - through" for some drivers who are not Pelican Bay residents. Mr. Dorrill commented that there is a severe capacity crisis on North Naples arterial and collector roadways; Pelican Bay Blvd. is considered a major collector roadway. He suggested that there will be considerable opposition by traffic planners to any efforts to impede traffic. Dr. Chicurel asked committee members to express their opinion on installing flashing lights at the crosswalks at PB Blvd. intersections with Hammock Oak Dr. and North Pointe. The following opinions were received. • Mr. Griffith was not in favor and suggested that the PB community is not in favor of flashing lights. • Mr. Hildebrandt stated that he has heard many complaints about the flashing lights and suggested that more signs create less observance as cited in an Australian study on traffic sign clutter. • Mr. Weir was not in favor. • Mr. Cullen was in favor and suggested that flashing lights do stand out from other signage. 5 Pelican Bay Services Division Landscape & Safety Committee Meeting March 27, 2025 Mr. Stone was in favor and suggested pursuing first steps to a possible project. He would be interested in seeing the data on flashing light complaints by PB residents. Dr. Chicurel was in favor. Dr. Chicurel summarized that this straw poll indicates that if the issue were voted upon, a motion would pass 3-2. He commented that staff will look into the costs of crosswalk flashing lights and obtain additional information on such a project, before this is brought to the full board for approval. Mr. Coleman commented that costs will include engineering, permits, and construction. He noted that we would learn whether the County would approve flashing lights at these intersections at the permitting phase. ADDITIONAL AUDIENCE COMMENTS Ms. Levine commented on the sign facing drivers entering Pelican Bay on Gulf Park Dr. at Greentree Dr., which tells drivers to stop if a pedestrian is in the crosswalk. She suggested that this sign is confusing to drivers. Dr. Chicurel commented that this sign is in compliance with state code and cannot be modified. The meeting was adjourned at 3:20 Minutes approved [_V J as presented OR [ � as amended ON s W date 0.