Loading...
12-14-23 Safety, Traffic and Parking Committee Agenda City of Atlantic Beach Agenda Safety, Traffic and Parking Committee Meeting #7 Thursday, December 14, 2023 - 6:00 p.m. City Hall, Commission Chamber 800 Seminole Road, Atlantic Beach, FL 32233 PRIORITIES Review of Parking Standards Parking Enforcement Paid Parking Program Speed Limit Review* Uniform Standards for Design of Streets* Pedestrian and Bicycle Connectivity and Safety* (*Community Safety Action Plan Steering Committee work) Page(s) CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL 1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1.A. Approve minutes of the Safety, Traffic and Parking Committee meeting held on October 19, 2023. Safety, Traffic and Parking Committee - 19 Oct 2023 - Minutes 3 - 5 1.B. Approve minutes of the Safety, Traffic and Parking Committee meeting held on November 16, 2023. Safety, Traffic and Parking Committee - 16 Nov 2023 - Minutes 7 - 8 2. COURTESY OF THE FLOOR TO VISITORS 3. BEACH RENOURISHMENT FUNDING ASSISTANCE PROGRAM-PARKING 4. PRIORITY - PARKING STANDARDS 4.A. Safety, Traffic and Parking Committee Parking Standards Policy Questions Draft Parking Standards Policies 9 - 15 5. ITEMS FOR NEXT AGENDA 6. ADJOURNMENT This meeting will be live-streamed and videotaped. The video recording will be posted within four business days on the City's website. To access live or recorded videos, visit www.coab.us/live. Any person wishing to speak to the Safety, Traffic and Parking Committee at this meeting Page 1 of 15 Safety, Traffic and Parking Committee - 14 Dec 2023 should submit a request prior to public comment. For your convenience, forms for this purpose are available at the entrance to the Commission Chamber. In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 286.26, Florida Statutes, persons with disabilities needing special accommodation to participate in this meeting should contact the City Clerk’s Office at (904) 247-5821 at least three business days prior to the meeting. Page 2 of 15 Safety, Traffic and Parking Committee October 19, 2023 MINUTES Safety, Traffic and Parking Committee Meeting Thursday, October 19, 2023 - 6:00 PM Commission Chamber Present:Ken Caudle, Member Brinkley Harrell, Member Frederick Jones, Vice Chair John Reich, Member Michael Tari, Member Richard Arthur, Chair James Johnson, Member Grace Neville, Secretary Absent:Kelly Fanning, Member Also Present:Curtis Ford, Mayor William B. Killingsworth, City Manager (CM) Kevin Hogencamp, Deputy City Manager (DCM) Amanda Askew, Planning & Community Development Dir. (PCDD) CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL Chair Caudle called the meeting to order at 6 p.m. Secretary Neville called the roll. ITEM NOT ON AGENDA Committee Member Caudle advised that he has resigned as chair. Committee Member Arthur was elected chair by recall vote 7-1, with Committee Member Johnson dissenting. 1.APPROVAL OF MINUTES A.Approve minutes of the Safety, Traffic and Parking Committee Meeting held on September 21, 2023. Approved minutes of the September 21, 2023 Safety, Traffic and Parking Committee Meeting. 2.COURTESY OF FLOOR TO VISITORS No visitors addressed the Committee Committee Member Johnson read on Oct. 19, 2023, letter to the Committee authored by Patricia Nottingham (which is attached hereto and made part of this Official Record as Attachment A) Attachment A - Patricia Nottingham October 19, 2023, letter to Committee Agenda Item #1.A. 14 Dec 2023 Page 3 of 15 Safety, Traffic and Parking Committee October 19, 2023 3.ADOPTION OF PRIORITIES (FULL COMMITTEE) A.• Review of Parking Standards • Parking Enforcement • Paid Parking Program • Speed Limit Review • Uniform Standards for Design of Streets • Pedestrian and Bicycle Connectivity and Safety The Committee adopted the above list of priorities and opted not to rank them. 4.COMMITTEE SCOPE (MAYOR FORD) Mayor Ford discussed the opportunities for the Committee moving forward. 5.COMPREHENSIVE SAFETY ACTION PLAN (CITY STAFF) City Manager Killingsworth recommended that the Committee bifurcate its parking priorities and non-parking priorities; address its parking priorities first, and make recommendations to the Commission; and then serve as the Community Safety Action Plan steering committee as it addresses the non-parking priorities. The Commitee members supported the structure proposed by Mr. Killingsworth, who said he will present a tentative timeline and operational structure to implement his recommendations to the Committee for its consideration at its November meeting. Mr. Killingworth noted that the Committee's key role as a vital arm of the City Commission is to recommend policies that the City Commission should adopt versus making recommendations on how policies should be employed. 6.BEACH MANAGEMENT FUNDING ASSISTANCE PROGRAM-PUBLIC PARKING CONSIDERATIONS (CITY STAFF) This item was postponed to a future meeting. 7.TRAFFIC-CALMING APPLICATION PROCESS (CITY STAFF) Director Askew reviewed the City's traffic-calming application (which is attached hereto and made part of this Official Record as Attachment B) process, and fielded questions. Attachment B - Application for Traffic-Calming 8.SHORT-TERM COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS Mayor Ford reiterated City Manager Killingsworth's recommendation that was supported by the Committee that the Committee proceed by addressing strategies rather than tactics. A.Committee Member Harrell Following discussion, the Committee did not take action on Committee Member Harrell's short-term recommendations. B.Other Agenda Item #1.A. 14 Dec 2023 Page 4 of 15 Safety, Traffic and Parking Committee October 19, 2023 Following discussion, the Committee did not take action on any additional short-term recommendations. 9.ITEMS FOR NEXT AGENDA • Beach management funding assistance program-Public parking considerations. • City Manager recommendations regarding Committee timeline/scope • Priority - Review of Parking Standards 10.ADJOURNMENT There being no further discussion, Chair Arthur declared the meeting adjourned at 8:07 p.m. Attest: Kevin Hogencamp, DCM Richard Arthur, Chair Date approved: ____________________ Agenda Item #1.A. 14 Dec 2023 Page 5 of 15 Page 6 of 15 Safety, Traffic and Parking Committee November 16, 2023 MINUTES Safety, Traffic and Parking Committee Meeting #6 Thursday, November 16, 2023 - 6:00 PM Commission Chamber Committee Priorities Review of Parking Standards Parking Enforcement Paid Parking Program Speed Limit Review* Uniform Standards for Design of Streets* Pedestrian and Bicycle Connectivity and Safety* (*Community Safety Action Plan Steering Committee work) Present:Richard Arthur, Chair Ken Caudle, Member Brinkley Harrell, Member Frederick Jones, Vice Chair John Reich, Member James Johnson, Member Grace Neville, Secretary Absent:Michael Tari, Member Kelly Fanning, Member Also Present:William B. Killingsworth, City Manager (CM) Kevin Hogencamp, Deputy City Manager (DCM) Amanda Askew, Planning & Community Development Dir. (PCDD) CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL Chair Arthur called the meeting to order at 6 p.m. Secretary Neville called the roll. Vice Chair Jones participated in the meeting via Zoom. 1.APPROVAL OF MINUTES Minutes of the Safety, Traffic and Parking Committee held on October 19, 2023 will be published and considered at a future meeting. 2.COURTESY OF FLOOR TO VISITORS No visitors addressed the Committee 3.DETERMINATION OF MEETINGS' LENGTH AND MEETING SCHEDULE (CHAIR ARTHUR) • Committee members agreed by consensus to strive to wrap-up discussions at about 7:30 p.m. Agenda Item #1.B. 14 Dec 2023 Page 7 of 15 Safety, Traffic and Parking Committee November 16, 2023 at each meeting, and then discuss items for the next agenda. • The Committee agreed by consensus to hold its next meeting on December 14 and resume meeting on the Third Thursday of each month in January. Meetings are at 6 p.m. 4.CITY MANAGER RECOMMENDATIONS REGARDING COMMITTEE TIMELINE/SCOPE Staff provided document titled "STOP Committee: City Manager Recommended Work Plan/Timeline" (which is attached hereto and made part of this Official Record as Attachment A). Attachment A - STOP Committee City Manager Recommended Work Plan Timeline Amanda Askew, Planning, Community Development and Building Department Director, reviewed parking standards as addressed in the City Code (Chapters 19. 21, 24), the 2030 Comprehensive Plan, and Florida Statutes, setting the framework on what parking standards are codified (which is attached hereto and made part of this Official Record as Attachment B). Attachment B - Parking Standards and site lines 5.PRIORITY - PARKING STANDARDS • After considerable discussion, Committee members agreed by consensus that parking spaces available to the public should be demarcated clearly and discernably and that parking zones will be established. • Committee members and City Manager Killingsworth agreed that City Manager Killingsworth will draft policies pertaining to parking standards addressing the four policy questions in the document titled "STOP Committee: City Manager Recommended Work Plan/Timeline". 6.ITEMS FOR NEXT AGENDA • Beach Renourishment Funding Assistance Program-Parking • Priority - Parking Standards 7.ADJOURNMENT There being no further discussion, Chair Arthur declared the meeting adjourned at 7:57 p.m. Attest: Kevin Hogencamp, DCM Richard Arthur, Chair Date approved: __________________ Agenda Item #1.B. 14 Dec 2023 Page 8 of 15 1 Policy Question 1: Should parking spaces available to the public in the city be clearly delineated? If so, how (with signage, striping, turf block, etc.) and where (citywide, near beach access, near parks, etc.)? Parking Policy: Demarcating Parking Spaces (DRAFT) Purpose The purpose of this policy is to establish guidelines for the demarcating of public parking spaces to ensure that parking spaces are clearly marked and visible to motorists to ensure that public parking is efficient, safe and convenient for motorists. Benefits of clearly demarcating parking spaces: 1. Improved Parking Efficiency: Clear markings make it easier for drivers to identify vacant parking spaces, reducing the time spent searching and maneuvering. This leads to a more efficient use of parking resources and reduced traffic congestion. 2. Enhanced Safety: Properly defined parking spaces help drivers park accurately, reducing the risk of collisions and property damage. Clear markings also help pedestrians navigate parking areas safely. 3. Accessibility for All: Clearly demarcated parking spaces, including those designated for disabled individuals and, ensure that all users have access to convenient and accessible parking options. 4. Aesthetics and Orderliness: Clearly demarcated parking spaces create a more organized and aesthetically pleasing appearance, enhancing the overall environment of parking areas and surrounding properties. 5. Clear Parking Policies: Clearly marked parking spaces reinforce parking regulations and policies, making it easier for drivers to understand and comply with parking rules. 6. Reduced Confusion and Frustration: Clear markings eliminate confusion and frustration among drivers, minimizing the likelihood of parking disputes and conflicts. 7. Enhanced Traffic Flow: Efficient parking contributes to smoother traffic flow, reducing congestion and delays, especially in high-traffic areas. 8. Improved Pedestrian Safety: Clear markings help separate pedestrian areas from parking spaces, reducing the risk of collisions and creating a safer environment for pedestrians. 9. Accessibility for People with Disabilities: Clearly demarcated parking spaces ensure that individuals with disabilities have easy access to designated parking areas, promoting accessibility and inclusivity. Definition(s) Policy Agenda Item #4.A. 14 Dec 2023 Page 9 of 15 2 Public parking spaces should be clearly demarcated with signage, striping, or other appropriate markings. Examples of clearly demarcated spaces are parking spaces that are painted with white lines on black pavement; parking spaces that are marked with posts and signs; and painted curbs where parking is prohibited. Markings shall be of a contrasting color to the surrounding pavement. Parking spaces shall be of a size that is adequate for the type of vehicle that is intended to be parked in the space. Parking spaces shall be arranged in a manner that is efficient and safe. While signage is necessitated at times, every effort should be made to utilize unique striping or a universal public parking symbol, instead. Because of the city’s unique parking demands, including right-of-way constraints in various areas of the city, the city should have parking zones. AREA / ZONE GEOGRAPHIC LOCATION POLICY Beaches Town Center Zone North side of Atlantic Blvd from Third Street (A1A) east to the Atlantic Ocean. Parking spaces should be on paved surfaces and marked with white lines and pay-for-parking signage. Old Atlantic Beach & Beach Zone First Street north to city limit. East of Sherry Drive and east of Seminole (north of the Five-way) 1. Parking spaces on the paved right- of-way should be marked with lines and/or symbols. 2. Demarcation of public parking availability on unimproved rights- of-way shall be clear and discernable; should have signage or be marked with symbols; and shall not block line of sight. 3. Demarcation of parking on the street pavement should follow all Florida statutes and City of Atlantic Beach codes, with additional signage or marking installed on case-by-case basis. All other areas 1. Parking on unimproved rights-of- way shall not block line of-sight and should follow all Florida statutes and City of Atlantic Beach codes, with additional signage or marking installed on case-by-case basis. Parking on the street pavement should follow all Florida statutes and City of Atlantic Beach codes. Agenda Item #4.A. 14 Dec 2023 Page 10 of 15 3 Enforcement Working in conjunction with other City staff, the Police Department shall be responsible for enforcing the provisions of this policy. Public Works Department shall be responsible for any demarcation of the parking spaces, including striping, signage and pavement materials. Exceptions The City Manager may grant exceptions to this policy on a case-by-case basis. Decisions to do so must be reported in writing to the City Commission. Exceptions shall only be granted for public safety concerns. ** Note Recommend creating a QR code to educate the community on parking and location of public parking spaces. Agenda Item #4.A. 14 Dec 2023 Page 11 of 15 4 Policy Question 2: Should the City require that some or all rights-of-way obstructions that prevent public parking be removed? Parking Policy: Rights-of-Way Obstruction (DRAFT) Purpose The purpose of this policy is to establish protocols regarding p lantings, landscaping material and other obstruction within the public rights-of-way that can create safety and operational issues including interference of public parking, line-of-sight concerns, stormwater conveyance problems, root intrusion of plants impacting utilities, and damage to public facilities such as sidewalks. The city’s public right-of- way are to be reserved for public use and plantings and other obstruction will not be permitted. Sod is the only permitted vegetation allowed upon city approval. Desired plantings can be installed on private property. Definition(s) Per Sec. 19-1, rights-of-way or public rights-of-way means land in which the city owns the fee or has an easement devoted to vehicular, bicycle and/or pedestrian movement, or required for use as a transportation facility, as that term is defined in F.S. § 334.03(21), and may lawfully grant access pursuant to applicable law and includes the surface, airspace over the surface and the area below the surface of such rights-of-way. "Public rights-of-way" shall not include (a) county, state or federal rights- of-way, (b) property owned by any person other than the city, (c) service entrances or driveways leading from the road or street onto adjacent property, or (d) except as described above, any real or personal property of the city, such as, but not limited to, city parks, buildings, fixtures, conduits, water lines, sewer lines, facilities or other structures or improvements, regardless of whether they are situated in the public rights-of-way. Policy Plantings, landscaping material or other obstruction within public rights-of way are not permitted per the city Code Sec. 19-1. Whenever plantings, landscaping material or other obstruction within public rights-of-way obstruct the ingress and/or egress of the rights-of-way, they shall be removed upon request by the city, and in the event of failure by the owner to so move them, the city shall do so and the expense of same charged to the property owner. All existing obstructions within the 2-foot safety zone shall be removed (Sec. 19-5). All other plantings, landscaping material or other obstructions must comply with this section of the code. Enforcement Working in conjunction with other City staff, Code Enforcement and Public Works shall be responsible for enforcing the provisions of this policy. Exceptions Agenda Item #4.A. 14 Dec 2023 Page 12 of 15 5 The City Manager may grant exceptions to this policy on a case-by-case basis. Decisions to do so must be reported in writing to the City Commission. Agenda Item #4.A. 14 Dec 2023 Page 13 of 15 6 Policy Question 3: Should the City allocate funding to demarcate public parking spaces on residential rights-of-way with a turf grid system? Parking Policy: Turf Grid System Parking (DRAFT) Purpose The purpose of this policy is to establish protocols regarding turf grid systems for parking, which the city has identified as being a viable tool in demarcating public parking spaces. Definition Grass block pavers - also known as turf block pavers or grow-through pavers - are an alternative to asphalt, concrete, and traditional pavers. They’re made of concrete or recycled plastic with open cells that allow grass to grow through them. They’re a porous, eco -friendly option for parking areas and driveways. Policy The City should allocate funding annually to improve its turf grid system parking:  To demarcate public parking spaces counted towards beach renourishment cost-share funding, where feasible.  On a case-by-case basis, to demarcate public parking spaces in other areas of the City where unpaved rights-of-way have been customarily utilized for public parking. Agenda Item #4.A. 14 Dec 2023 Page 14 of 15 7 Policy Question 4: Should parking standards be uniform communitywide, or should there be some community parking districts (i.e. Old Atlantic Beach, beach accesses, parks)? See Parking Policy: Demarcating Parking Spaces (DRAFT) Agenda Item #4.A. 14 Dec 2023 Page 15 of 15