Pinellas County Metropolitan Planning Organization 310 Court Street, 2

nd

Floor, Clearwater, Florida 33756

(727) 464-8250

Fax (727) 464-8212

BICYCLE PEDESTRIAN ADVISORY COMMITTEE (BPAC) MEETING MONDAY MARCH 21, 2016 8:30 A.M. PINELLAS COUNTY PLANNING DEPARTMENT CONFERENCE ROOM – 1ST FLOOR 310 COURT STREET CLEARWATER, FLORIDA 33756

AGENDA

1. CALL TO ORDER AND INTRODUCTIONS (8:30 – 8:35) 2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – February 22, 2016 (8:35 – 8:40) 3. MPO ACTIONS – MARCH 9, 2016 (8:40 – 8:45) 4. FLORIDA SUNTRAIL REGIONAL PROGRAM (8:45 – 9:10) 5. ELECTRIC BICYCLE SUBCOMMITTEE REPORT (9:10 – 9:30) 6. DUNEDIN CAUSEWAY BRIDGES PD&E STUDY - PUBLIC ALTERNATIVES WORKSHOP (9:30 – 9:40) 7. SPOTLIGHT EMPHASIS AREAS (9:40 – 9:50) A. A Vision for U.S. Highway 19 Corridor B. Gateway Area Master Plan C. Enhancing Beach Access 8.

BPAC BUSINESS (9:50 –10:00) A. Florida Bicycle Association (FBA) Report B. Pinellas Trails, Inc.

9.

AGENCY REPORTS (10:00 – 10:10)

10. OTHER BUSINESS (10:10 – 10:15) A. Membership B. Correspondence, Publications, Articles of Interest C. Suggestions for Future Agenda Topics D. Other 11. ADJOURNMENT (10:15) h:\users\trans\webupload\BPACAgenda 3-21-16.docx

NEXT BPAC MEETING – APRIL 18, 2016 Public participation is solicited without regard to race, color, national origin, age, sex, religion, disability, or family status. Persons who require special accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act or persons who require translation services (free of charge) should contact the Office of Human Rights, 400 South Fort Harrison Avenue, Suite 300, Clearwater, Florida 33756; [(727) 464-4062 (V/TDD)] at least seven days prior to the meeting.

Web Address: www.pinellascounty.org/mpo Like Us on Facebook

BPAC – ITEM 2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES The meeting summary for the February 22, 2016 meeting is attached for review and approval. ATTACHMENT: BPAC Meeting Summary – February 22, 2016 ACTION:

BPAC: 3/21/16

Approval of Meeting Summary

PINELLAS COUNTY BICYCLE PEDESTRIAN ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETING SUMMARY FEBRUARY 22, 2016 The following is a summary of the Pinellas County Metropolitan Planning Organization’s Bicycle Pedestrian Advisory Committee (BPAC) held on February 22, 2016 in the Pinellas County Planning Department Conference Room, First Floor, 310 Court Street, Clearwater, Florida. BPAC Members Present Brian Smith, Chairman Geri Raja, Vice Chair Becky Afonso Lynn Bosco Valerie Brookens Charlene Cobb Lucas Cruse Win Dermody Felicia Donnelly Tom Ferraro Lyle Fowler Byron Hall Edward Z. Hawkes Chip Haynes Paul Kurtz Steve Lasky Charles Martin Anthony Matonti Ron Rasmussen Annette Sala Michael Siebel Camille Stupar Casey Morse (for Tom Washburn) Bert Valery Georgia Wildrick Robert Yunk

At Large Citizen Representative South County Citizens Representative North County Citizen Representative, Oldsmar At Large Citizen Representative City of Largo Sunstar Paramedics St. Petersburg Bicycle Pedestrian Coordinator Clearwater Citizen Representative City of Clearwater Bicycle/Pedestrian Coordinator North County Citizen Representative Pinellas County Parks & Conservation Resources (PCR) Pinellas Park/Mid-County Citizen Representative Dunedin Citizen Representative Clearwater Citizen Representative At Large Citizen Representative At Large Citizen Representative At Large Citizen Representative TBARTA Pinellas Park Citizen Representative At Large Citizen Representative At Large Citizen Representative St. Petersburg Citizen Representative Pinellas County Public Works Citizen Representative Beach Community Largo Citizen Representative At Large Citizen Representative

BPAC Members Absent Megan Carmichael Chris Cochran Kimberly Cooper Holly DeSha Richard Hartman Tom McGinty Jim Wedlake

Department of Health - Pinellas PSTA St. Petersburg Citizen Representative Largo Citizen Representative CUTR Pinellas County Schools Seminole Area Citizen Representative

Others Present Jim Bailey Bill Dye Ray Raja Chris Speece Al Bartolotta Rodney Chatman Susan Miller Sarah Ward Anne Funicello

Pinellas Trail Auxiliary Ranger (seasonal) Citizen, Dunedin Citizen, South County FDOT MPO Staff MPO Staff MPO Staff MPO Staff MPO Staff, Recorder

1.

CALL TO ORDER AND INTRODUCTIONS

BPAC MEETING MINUTES February 22, 2016 Page 2

Chairman Brian Smith, At Large Citizen Representative, called the meeting to order just after 8:30 a.m. He asked everyone to introduce themselves to begin the meeting. 2.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES – JANUARY 25, 2016

The meeting summary from the January 25, 2016 BPAC meeting was approved as provided in the agenda packet. 3.

MPO ACTIONS – FEBRUARY 10, 2016

Rodney Chatman, MPO Section Manager, reviewed the MPO actions from the Board’s February 10, 2016 meeting. 4.

SAFE KIDS COALITION BICYCLE PEDESTRAIN SAFETY

Charlene Cobb, Sunstar Paramedics Community Outreach Coordinator, and BPAC member, provided a comprehensive overview of the Safe Kids Coalition mission and goals regarding child safety seats, firearm control, water safety, and bicycle pedestrian safety. After providing Safe Kids Coalition information, she explained there were several opportunities for volunteers to assist with community activities, bike rodeos, and other outreach options. 5.

CLEARWATER TRAILS PROGRAM

Felicia Donnelly, City of Clearwater, reviewed the current and upcoming trail construction projects, including the Bayshore Trail extension that will link the Ream Wilson Clearwater Trail with the Courtney Campbell Trail, the Druid Trail that will connect downtown Clearwater with the Duke Energy Trail, and the Duke Energy Trail extension from S.R. 590 to Sunset Point Road. Ms. Donnelly responded to several questions regarding the future overpass for S.R. 60/Courtney Campbell Causeway, future trailhead and parking facilities. 6.

FLORIDA GREENWAYS & TRAILS FOUNDATION, INC.

Chairman Smith explained the mission and goals of the Florida Greenways & Trails Foundation Inc. (FGTF, fgtf.org) and how the Foundation has partnered with other agencies such as the Florida State Parks, Office of Greenways & Trails (OGT), the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), and the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT). The Foundation initiated a “Close the Gaps” project to identify missing trail segments in a statewide connected system of greenways and/or trails and to prioritize the construction of those trail connections. The Florida Coast to Coast Connector was selected as the first project in what is being termed the SUN Trails (Shared-Use, Non-motorized Trails) System. More information regarding the SUN Trail program will be provided as it becomes available. 7.

PARTNERSHIPS TO IMPROVE COMMUNITY HEALTH (PICH) WAYFINDING PROJECT

Mr. Chatman presented the Partnerships to Improve Community Health (PICH) Wayfinding project to the BPAC. This pilot project is intended to demonstrate the benefits of effective signage that targets bicyclists and pedestrians. Mr. Chatman provided an overview of the activities underway to improve community health, encourage more bicycling and walking, and to improve access to the county and community parks. 8.

MPO SPOTLIGHT EMPHASIS AREAS

The emphasis areas identified by the MPO will be standing agenda items to provide updates on the planning design and activities. Brief updates were given for the three areas below. A. Vision for U.S. Highway 19 Corridor Whit Blanton, Executive Director MPO/PPC, explained that discussions with FDOT have been ongoing with regard to the pre-engineering and design work for the U.S. Highway 19 corridor. The goal is to involve private and public-sector stakeholders, consider existing studies and planning activities, land use redevelopment, and future traffic modeling. Improving the safety of pedestrian and bicycle travel along and across the corridor will be an important component of this emphasis area discussion.

BPAC MEETING MINUTES February 22, 2016 Page 3

B. Gateway Area Master Plan Mr. Blanton explained that there have been a few meetings with business leaders regarding the future plans for the Gateway area. He stressed it is still early in the development process of the master plan and there was much work to be done. C. Enhancing Beach Access Mr. Blanton announced that he and Sarah Ward, MPO Division Manager, have attended several city council and chamber of commerce meetings. They have also had numerous discussions with the MPO/PPC Board member who represents the beach communities about traffic congestion, seasonal peaks, and many other unique transportation challenges faced by the beach communities. Mr. Blanton suggested that alternative transportation options need to be thoroughly explored to not only improve access to and from the beaches, but to offer choices to residents and visitors alike. 9.

BPAC BUSINESS A. Florida Bicycle Association (FBA)

Becky Afonso, North County Citizen Representative (Oldsmar) and Florida Bicycle Association (FBA) Executive Director, announced that FDOT’s Alert Tonight Florida media campaign was very prominent at the Daytona International Speedway through sponsorship one of the cars. Additional promotion from the FDOT Safety Coalition at Nascar-related events reached many thousands of racing fans. B. Senate Resolution Commemorating 25th Anniversary of Pinellas Trail

Chairman Smith noted the Senate Resolution commemorating the 25th anniversary of the Pinellas Trail provided in the agenda packet. He added that this resolution should increase the awareness of the Pinellas Trail and build support for continued investment in Pinellas County non-motorized transportation network. C. Pinellas Trails, Inc.

Mr. Bert Valery, Beach Community Citizen Representative, announced the annual Auxiliary Ranger Appreciation Picnic was scheduled for a Saturday in April 2016. He then led a discussion regarding the need for law enforcement representatives on the BPAC, as well as visible representation on the Pinellas Trail. D. Electric Bicycles Subcommittee

Mr. Chatman informed the BPAC that an Electric Bicycle Subcommittee meeting would be scheduled in early March and he expects to provide a draft report at the March 21, 2016 BPAC meeting. 10. AGENCY REPORTS

Updated information was provided for the following items: Tri-County Trail / Starkey Wilderness Trail & Brooker Creek Trail Ms. Casey Morse, Pinellas County Public Works Engineering, provided an update for the Tri-County Trail, which includes the Starkey Wilderness and Brooker Creek Trails in northeast Pinellas County. Construction of the trail has begun, and estimated to be completed by January 2017. Duke Energy Florida Trail The segment between S.R. 590 and Sunset Point Road is funded for design and construction in FY 2017, and the segment from Sunset Point Road to the Enterprise Overpass is scheduled to begin construction later this year.

BPAC MEETING MINUTES February 22, 2016 Page 4

Court Street/Chestnut Street Railroad Crossing The railroad crossings repair at Court and Chestnut Streets in downtown Clearwater are underway. Detours for trail users are clearly marked. Elfers Trail Spur A consulting firm report, the “Elfers Spur Erosion control & Bank Restoration-Stabilization Evaluation,” was provided in the agenda packet, and reviewed with the BPAC. Belleair Road/U.S. Highway 19 Intersection Trail Crossing At the previous BPAC meeting, members raised safety concerns at the Belleair Road/U.S. Highway 19 crossing for the Duke Energy Trail. According to member statements, the no-right-on-red sign was removed, and the crosswalk markings are difficult for motorists to see. FDOT has been contacted regarding this safety concern, and will review the intersection movements and respond to the BPAC at its next meeting. Honeymoon Island Bike/Ped Path Mr. Chatman explained that he has been in contact with Senator Latvala’s office and has provided the requested documents to support an allocation of funds to provide a separated bike/ped path through Honeymoon Island State Park. Orange Street Overpass The funding to replace the spans for the Orange Street overpass has been included in the Parks and Conservation Resources (PCR) budget. The project has been delayed as a new contract with an engineering consultant has to be drafted and approved before the project may proceed. 11. OTHER BUSINESS A. Membership

There is currently a vacancy for a South Beaches Citizen Representative on the BPAC. The MPO has announced the need to fill that vacancy at recent MPO meetings. Members also noted that the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office representative had retired, and a new representative was needed. Other local law enforcement agencies are not represented at the BPAC, and members noted the importance of law enforcement presence at its meetings. B. Correspondence, Publications, Articles of Interest

There were no comments or discussion regarding the correspondence provided in the agenda packet. C. Suggestions for Future Agenda Topics

The BPAC continues to be interested in sidewalk repair countywide. Staff is working to provide that information at a future BPAC meeting. D. Other

Ms. Morse explained that she was working with school resource officers to provide bicycle lights for middle schoolers around Pinellas County. She has distributed about 600 light sets so far. 12. ADJOURNMENT

Chairman Smith adjourned the meeting at 10:40 a.m. The next meeting is scheduled for Monday, March 21, 2016. h:\users\cendocs\min\BPACmin 2-22-16.docx

BPAC – ITEM 3. MPO ACTIONS – MARCH 9, 2016 The March 9, 2016 Newsletter/Action Sheet is attached. A member of the MPO staff will review actions taken by the MPO at the meeting. ATTACHMENT: Newsletter/Action Sheet – March 9, 2016 Proclamation for March 2016 Florida Bicycle Month ACTION:

BPAC: 3/21/16

None required, informational item

Pinellas County Metropolitan Planning Organization nd

310 Court Street, 2

600

Floor, Clearwater, Florida 33756 ● (727)464-8200;

Fax (727)464-8201

MPO Newsletter/Action Sheet March 9, 2016

I.

CALL TO ORDER Chairman Kennedy called the meeting to order.

II.

INVOCATION AND PLEDGE Councilmember Hock-DiPolito conducted services for the MPO.

III.

PRESENTATION OF PLAQUE TO OUTGOING BOARD MEMBER PICCARRETO Deputy Mayor Piccarreto was recognized for his service on the Board.

IV.

CITIZENS TO BE HEARD There were no citizens who came forward to be heard.

V.

CONSENT AGENDA The MPO approved the consent agenda, which included the February 10, 2016 meeting minutes, Title VI Program, crash data management system contract with Tindale-Oliver, committee appointments of Aaron Lounsberry as the AHCA representative on the LCB, Kristina Tranel one of PSTA’s alternates (in addition to Heather Sobush) on the BPAC, Edward Ameen as a Mid-County/Pinellas Park representative on the CAC, and Caroline Lanford as the representative and Scott Swearengen as the alternate on the TCC; and MPO Resolution #16-1 deobligating UPWP funding.

VI.

PRESENTATION AND/OR ACTION ITEMS A. Draft FY 2016/17 – 2017/18 Unified Planning Work Program – Transmittal Action Following a brief staff presentation, the MPO approved the draft UPWP tor transmittal to state and federal review agencies. B. FY 2014/15 MPO Audit Report – Acceptance The MPO accepted the FY 2014/15 MPO Audit Report for transmittal to appropriate entities. C. Proclamation Recognizing March as Florida Bicycle Month – Action The MPO approved the proclamation recognizing March as Florida Bicycle Month. D. St. Petersburg Resolution Concerning I-275 Improvements – Action The MPO took action to accept and support St. Petersburg’s resolution with the understanding that there be further discussions of funding I-275 improvements during the prioritization process for the Surface Transportation Program (STP) that will be on the September MPO agenda for action. E. Confirm Tampa Bay TMA Leadership Group Purpose and Organization Statement – Action The MPO approved the modified Tampa Bay TMA Leadership Group Purpose and Organization Statement that clarifies its role as advisory to the individual MPOs. F. Support of PSTA/HART Application for the Regional Fare Collection Project for TIGER Funding – Action Following a PSTA staff summary of the application, the MPO took action to support the PSTA/HART application for TIGER funding and to authorize staff to draft a letter that can be used as a model for other local governments that take similar action of support.

Web Address: www.pinellascounty.org/mpo Friend Us on Facebook

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KEVIN

MPO Newsletter/Action Sheet March 9, 2016 Page 2 G. Clearwater’s Resolution Concerning Funding to Update the 2010 Transit Alternative Study – Information The MPO staff provided a brief summary of the Clearwater resolution concerning the 2010 transit alternative study, indicating MPO staff is working on a Scope of Service to define the effort. A board member asked that options to alleviate congestion on Alternate 19 also be included. H. Current Waterborne Transportation Plans and Operations – Update The MPO staff provided a brief update of current waterborne transportation plans and operations. The MPO staff noted that a modification to the MPO’s Long Range Transportation Plan to address waterborne transportation will be brought back to the MPO for action. Following discussion about the role of the MPO and public agencies in providing for waterborne transportation, the board provided direction to MPO staff to evaluate waterborne operations to help facilitate a countywide framework to guide local governments in planning suitable waterborne facilities and designing for a seamless approach to align services and transportation networks. The board asked staff to get in touch with the State P3 organization to present updated language to the board as part of a primer on structuring effective public-private partnerships. I.

Committee Recommendations 1. Full Membership for TBARTA CAC Ex-Officio Representatives – Action The MPO took action to encourage TBARTA to increase the TBARTA CAC membership to allow the current ex-officio members to be voting members and recommended that this change be included in next year’s TBARTA’s legislative package. 2. Downtown to Beach Park and Ride Transit Options Proposal – Action The MPO supported and endorsed the CAC recommendation that endorses the proposed downtown to beach park and ride transit options project. J. Regional Tails – Update The MPO took action to support the regional trails and the inclusion of the Pinellas Trail Loop as one of the projects to be funded with the SUNTrail funding. K. PSTA – Update Mayor Bujalski as the PSTA representative provided an update on PSTA-related activities, noting PSTA received positive results from a customer satisfaction survey and PSTA continues to be part of a bench marking group based on their volume and low costs. PSTA began a direct connect service utilizing taxi companies and Uber for north county and Pinellas Park service. PSTA approved the work order for the Central Avenue BRT and is moving forward with the technical assistance work. Several PSTA board members and staff will be meeting with Congressional Delegation members and Federal Transit Administration next week to discuss the regional fare box project, funding for buses and bus facilities, and the Central Avenue BRT project. PSTA continues to seek funding for service between Clearwater Beach and the Tampa International Airport. PSTA will hold a workshop on May 6 from 9:00 a.m. to noon to discuss advancement of transportation initiatives. PSTA is looking at changes to the Jolley Trolley so that it runs 7 days a week. The Board thanked PSTA for moving the hub system in Williams Park to a grid system for downtown St. Petersburg and FDOT for allowing a bus stop on Gandy Boulevard to help with getting employees to and from work during construction. Whit announced that they have begun holding regular monthly meetings with PSTA and FDOT staff and will keep the board updated on those meetings.

MPO Newsletter/Action Sheet March 9, 2016 Page 3

I.

REPORTS/UPDATES A. Legislative Update A brief updated legislative report was provided. B. Director’s Report The MPO Executive Director provided a brief update on the three SPOTlight emphasis area initiatives, as well as an update on a meeting he had with the Chambers of Commerce, local governments, businesses, etc., and the complementary efforts to further the three emphasis area initiatives (including other resources). Staff is working on presentation videos, as well as presentation activities in coordination with FDOT concerning safety along Gulf Boulevard that is looking at improving continuity for pedestrian measures for that corridor. The letter to FDOT asking them to delay the design phase for the next intersections on U.S. 19 is included in the agenda packet and staff is waiting on a response from FDOT. The listening sessions have been scheduled for April 11 for U.S. 19, 8:00-10:00 a.m., at the St. Petersburg College Clearwater Campus (Room ES104) and 4:00-6:00 p.m. at the St. Petersburg College St. Petersburg Allstate Campus (DeSoto Room), May 16 for the Gateway area, 8:00-10:00 a.m., at the Pinellas Park Performing Arts Centers, and May 3 from 9:00-11:00 a.m. for beach access. Whit indicated he will provide a list of the invitees to the board members.

II. PPC/MPO JOINT ITEMS FOR APPROVAL/INFORMATION A. General Planning Consultant Selection – Action Following a brief summary of the activities to date, the MPO approved the staff recommended GPC firms, rate structure, and contract, and authorized the Executive Director to negotiate and execute contracts with the selected firms. III. INFORMATIONAL ITEMS A. Committee Vacancies There is a vacancy on the BPAC for the beach area and anyone interested in serving may contact staff or the board representative. Whit announced that staff developed an application procedure for the Citizens Advisory Committee to make it a formal process that could also be utilized for nontechnical BPAC members. B. Correspondence The updated fatalities map is included in the agenda packet for information. C. Other There was no other business.

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RECOGNIZING MARCH 2016 AS

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FLORIDA BICYCLE MONTH

WHEREAS, bicycling plays an important role in the lives of millions of Florida's residents and visitors by providing means to travel to work, school, and parks, and is a popular form of recreation and exercise; and

WHEREAS, bicycling helps encourage eco-tourism, historical and environmental preservation through recognizing the importance of Florida's nahiral resources; and WHEREAS, bicycle and pedestrian safety has been elevated to a critical priority of the Florida Department of Transportation in order to reduce fatalities and serious injuries on Florida's roadways; and WHEREAS, the Florida Department of Transportation, the Pinellas County Metropolitan Planning

Organization and many local governments throughout the state have adopted goals and policies to develop a multimbdal transportation system that supports transportation alternatives; and

WHEREAS, bicycling promotes health and weUness and is an important part of encouraging all citizens to develop habits of physical activity to become or stay fit, avoid obesity, and reduce the risk of many chronic diseases and conditions; and

WHEREAS, the Florida Greenways and Trails System Plan advances the creation and sustainability of bicycling trails by establishing a connected trails system that enhances Florida's economy through redevelopment, tourism, health, alternative transportation, recreation, conservation, and quality of life; and 1

WHEREAS, Pinellas County and local jurisdictions have committed funds to complete the construction of more than 180-miles of bicycle lanes and about 100-miles ofmulti-use trails; and

I

WHEREAS, bicycles provide an alternate and economical means of transportation to work, thus increasing access to employment, provide mobility for those without access to a motor vehicle, increases existing road and parking capacity when people choose bicycling for utilitarian trips, and reducing the number of automobiles on roadways reduces emissions and air pollution; I

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NOW, THEREFORE, BE FT RESOLVED that the Pinellas County Metropolitan Planning Organization recognizes March 2016 as Florida Bicycle Month, and encourages all residents and visitors to take advantage of this special observance and to be more aware of cyclists on local streets, highways, greenways and trails. Adopted this

qth Day of fYt^cl^ . 2016.

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