02-09-17 Minutes Citizen Mtg. Sidewalks in Royal Palms Minutes v City of Atlantic Beach
Citizen Meeting Discussion for Sidewalks in Royal Palms
9th of February 2017
Minutes
ATTENDANCE:
Mr. Don Jacobovitz- Director of Public Works
Mr. Kevin Hogencamp - Interim City Manager
Mr. Scott Williams- Deputy Public Works Director
Commissioner John Stinson- Presiding Officer
RESIDENTS IN ATTENDANCE:
Ms. Margaret Yarbrough
Mr. Chris Jorgensen
1) Purpose of the Meeting
a) The meeting was called to order at 8:48 am.
b) The purpose was to discuss the concepts and planned sidewalk construction
within the Royal Palms neighborhood.
2) Introduction
a) Commissioner Stinson opened the meeting and explained the basic purpose of
the meeting and disclosed the meeting would use an informal process to allow
for more free discussion between the parties.
b) Commissioner Stinson explained to Ms. Yarbrough the reason for
Commissioner Harding's absence.
3) Discussion
a) In the interest of clarity,these minutes will chronologically capture individual
comments, ideas and arguments presented.
i) Mr.Jacobovitz explained the rationale behind the City's choice to construct
sidewalks along Triton Road and Sabalo Drive. Acknowledging Ms.
Yarbrough's desire to have Cutlass Drive moved up in priority, he
commented on why his staff believed this area should not be the immediate
priority. Mr.Jacobovitz commented on the possible utilization of an expert
in mobility to review the needs of the area and he expected such an expert
could cause the City to incur an estimated $20,000 in cost.
ii) Ms. Yarbrough explained her rationale behind her preferences promoting
sidewalks on Cutlass and Triton. She stated she was using Atlantic Beach
Elementary attendance locations to determine the highest demand for
such construction.
iii) Mr. Scott Williams explained that Sabalo Drive had a much better right-of-
way (ROW) than did Triton Road. He explained he believed the north side
of Sabalo Road would be the best use of funding and that Triton Road
would utilize City ROW on the south side of the road.
iv) Ms. Yarbrough commented that the City needed to be looking into the
future when considering sewer and storm water utility replacements
where no sidewalks have been constructed. She questioned, "Doesn't it
make sense to coordinate such work?"
v) Mr. Scott Williams commented that due to timing this project would be
nearing completion during the end of this budget cycle and could quite
possibly extend due to budget timing. Such extension might allow for cost
saving synergies if the succeeding year's budget continued with additional
sidewalk construction in the area. He stated there were many factors to
consider, such as ROW, how sidewalks "emptied" pedestrians into the
streets, utility location, and neighborhood resistance to construction and
also commented he believed sidewalks were for children.
vi) City Manager Hogencamp committed to gathering data and to educating
residents. He inquired if Ms. Yarbrough could gather volunteers to do an
informal pedestrian count at various points around the neighborhood.
vii)Mr. Scott Williams commented it might be possible to construct Sabalo
Drive and Triton Road and move Cutlass Drive to a following year.
viii) Mr.Jacobovitz inquired if Ms.Yarbrough could gather volunteers to do
an informal pedestrian count at various points around the neighborhood.
ix) Discussion ensued about the City beginning the process of notifying
residents in the area of the plan to construct sidewalks now rather than
when notification would normally be made. It was agreed it made sense,in
the essence of time,to begin notification now.
4) Adjournment
a) The meeting was adjourned at 9:53
Mitchell E. Reeves
Mayor
ATTEST:
Amt.Arittee
Donna L.Bartle, CMC
City Clerk
Minutes- Sidewalks in Royal Palms- February 9, 2017 Page 2 of 2