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Resolution No. 24-31RESOLUTION NO. 24-31 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF ATLANTIC BEACH, FLORIDA, ACCEPTING THE JUNE 10, 2024, REPORT OF THE SAFETY, TRAFFIC AND PARKING COMMITTEE AND DIRECTING STAFF TO DRAFT POLICIES, RESOLUTIONS AND/OR ORDINANCES FOR CITY COMMISSION CONSIDERATION MOVING THE SAFETY, TRAFFIC AND PARKING COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS FORWARD; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. WHEREAS, on June 12, 2023, the City Commission established the Safety, Traffic and Parking Committee by Resolution No. 23-20, repealing and replacing Resolution No. 23-11. The committee's purpose is to review safety, traffic and parking matters, and make recommendations to the Commission that aim to improve transportation systems, processes and policies in the City. WHEREAS, the Safety, Traffic and Parking Committee has completed a portion of its work, having held public meetings, received public input, and conducted a thorough review of the City policies and codes; and WHEREAS, on June 10, 2024, the Safety, Traffic and Parking Committee submitted a report to the City Commission delineating policy recommendations approved at the Committee's May 29, 2024, meeting; and WHEREAS, for the purpose of moving approved Safety, Traffic and Parking Committee recommendations forward, and the City Commission directs staff to draft policies, resolutions and/or ordinances for City Commission consideration: 1. Demarcating Parkin Spaces 1.1. 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. Resolution No. 24-31 Page 1 of 5 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. 1.2. Policy 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 as delineated in EXHIBIT A. 1.3. Enforcement Working in conjunction with other City staff, the Police Department shall be responsible for enforcing the provisions of this policy. The Public Works Department shall be responsible for any demarcation of the parking spaces, including striping, signage and pavement materials. 1.4. 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. 2. Parking Policy: Rights -of -Way Obstruction 2.1. Definitions 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. 2.2. Purpose Resolution No. 24-31 Page 2 of 5 The purpose of this policy is to establish protocols regarding plantings, 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 rights-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. 2.3. 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. 2.4. Enforcement Working in conjunction with other City staff, Code Enforcement and Public Works shall be responsible for enforcing the provisions of this policy. 2.5. 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. 3. Turf Grid System Parking 3.1. 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. 3.2. 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. 3.3. 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, demarcating public parking spaces in other areas of the City where unpaved rights-of-way have been customarily utilized for public parking. • The City shall ensure that all turf grid system parking adheres to Florida statute 316.1945 and Florida Greenbook parking space dimension requirements. 4. Paid Parking: Enforcement Resolution No. 24-31 Page 3 of 5 4.1. Policy The City Commission should budget funds to ensure that parking regulations and associated penalties are adequately enforced. 5. Paid Parking: Times and season; fine amounts 5.1. Policy Paid parking should operate with the following stipulations: • The 181h -191h street paid parking hours should be extended to 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. from March 1 through Sept. 30. • The fines in Atlantic Beach for overtime parking violations should be identical citywide, excluding Beaches Town Center. • Based on future conditions and analyses of parking utilization, the City Commission should consider expanding paid parking. 6. Paid Parking: Net paid parkine revenue 6.1. Purpose The purpose of this policy is to create guidance on how net revenue should be spent. Net revenue from other locations outside of the Beaches Town Center (currently 18th -19th streets) should be structured like the revenue collected in the Beaches Town Center. This enables the revenue to be reinvested in the community and not the general fund. 6.2 Policy Recommendation The City shall establish a pay -for -parking enterprise fund for the City's paid parking program outside of Beaches Town Center just as it has for Beaches Town Center. This parking fund should be used to pay for the program's management and maintenance costs; also, the fund may be used to pay for safety and complete streets projects; landscape and/or hardscape improvements; alternative transportation solutions; and to pay for management of the paid parking program. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF ATLANTIC BEACH. Section 1. Acceptance of Final Report. The City Commission hereby accepts the June 10, 2024, Report of the Safety, Traffic and Parking Committee adopted by the Committee on May 29, 2024. Section 2. Direction to Staff. The City Manager is hereby directed to draft policies, resolutions and/or ordinances for City Commission consideration moving the Safety, Traffic and Parking Committee recommendations forward. Section 3. Severability. If any provision of this Resolution or its application to any person or circumstance is held invalid, the invalidity shall not affect other provisions or applications of this Resolution which can be given effect without the invalid provision or application, and to this end the provisions of this Resolution are severable. Section 4. Effective Date. This Resolution shall take effect immediately upon its passage and adoption. Resolution No. 24-31 Page 4 of 5 PASSED AND ADOPTED by the City of Atlantic Beach, this `h ay of June 2024. Curtis Ford, iWayor Attest: Donna L. Bartle, City Clerk Approved as to form and correctness: Jasone Cit Attorney Resolution No. 24-31 Page 5 of 5 XHIBIT A Safety, Traffic and Parking Committee Policy Recommendations Approved/Updated May 29, 2024 1. Demarcating Parking Spaces 2. Right -of -Way Obstruction 3. Turf Grid System Parking 4. Paid Parking: Enforcement 5. Paid Parking: Times and seasons for paid parking; fine amounts 6. Paid Parking: Net paid parking revenue 1. Demarcating Parking Spaces 1.1. Purpose The purpose of this policy is to establish guidelines forth e 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. 1.2. Policy 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 North side of Atlantic Parking spaces should be on paved surfaces Zone Blvd from Third Street and marked with white lines and pay-for- (A1A) east to the Atlantic parking signage. Ocean. Old Atlantic Beach & First Street north to city 1. Parking spaces on the paved right-of-way Beach Zone limit. East of Sherry Drive should be marked with lines and/or and east of Seminole symbols. (north of the Five -way) 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, including E. Parking on unimproved rights-of-way shall parks not block line of -sight and should follow all Florida statutes and City of Atlantic Beach codes, with additional signage or marking installed on a case-by-case basis. Parking on the street pavement should follow all Florida statutes and City of Atlantic Beach codes. Page 2 of 6 0 w z CL — BEACHES TOWN CENTER ZONE OLD ATLANTIC BEACH -- & BEACH ZONE Atlantic 2 a Atlantic SMI Nus'ftM7 �rt� 1.3. Enforcement Working in conjunction with other City staff, the Police Department shall be responsible for enforcing the provisions of this policy. The Public Works Department shall be responsible for any demarcation of the parking spaces, including striping, signage and pavement materials. 1.4. 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 the location of public parking spaces. Page 3 of 6 2. Parking Policy: Rights -of -Way Obstruction 2.1. Definitions 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. 2.2. Purpose The purpose of this policy is to establish protocols regarding plantings, 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 rights-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. 2.3. 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. 2.4. Enforcement Working in conjunction with other City staff, Code Enforcement and Public Works shall be responsible for enforcing the provisions of this policy. 2.5. 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. Page 4 of 6 3. Turf Grid System Parking 3.1. 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. 3.2. 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. 3.3. 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, demarcating public parking spaces in other areas of the City where unpaved rights-of-way have been customarily utilized for public parking. • The City shall ensure that all turf grid system parking adheres to Florida statute 316.1945 and Florida Greenbook parking space dimension requirements. 4. Paid Parking: Enforcement 4.1. Policy The City Commission should budget funds to ensure that parking regulations and associated penalties are adequately enforced. 5. Paid Parking: Times and season; fine amounts 5.1. Policy Paid parking should operate with the following stipulations: • The 181h -191h street paid parking hours should be extended to 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. from March 1 through Sept. 30. • The fines in Atlantic Beach for overtime parking violations should be identical citywide, excluding Beaches Town Center. • Based on future conditions and analyses of parking utilization, the City Commission should consider expanding paid parking. Page 5 of 6 6. Paid Parking: Net paid parking revenue 6.1. Purpose The purpose of this policy is to create guidance on how net revenue should be spent. Net revenue from other locations outside of the Beaches Town Center (currently 18th -19th streets) should be structured like the revenue collected in the Beaches Town Center. This enables the revenue to be reinvested in the community and not the general fund. 6.2 Policy Recommendation The City shall establish a pay -for -parking enterprise fund for the City's paid parking program outside of Beaches Town Center just as it has for Beaches Town Center. This parking fund should be used to pay for the program's management and maintenance costs; also, the fund may be used to pay for safety and complete streets projects; landscape and/or hardscape improvements; alternative transportation solutions; and to pay for management of the paid parking program. Page 6 of 6