Call to Order

Date: September 10, 2002 

• Ms. Sally Thompson called the meeting to order at 6:02 pm.

Attendees:

• Frank Burns, Sally Flynn, Melanie Higgins, Edith Hooten, Ken Kramer, Doug Pasley (TPD), Randy Stribling, Sally Thompson, Dan Thornbrugh, Larry Weatherby, Alan Wright, Karen Cashon, Karla Price

Old Business:

The Blake Trail project will be going out to bid at the end of September. The Art in Public Places $100,000 grant will allot $50,000 for the Blake Trail and $50,000 for the South Tampa Greenway at MacDill AFB. Preliminary designs have been completed for trail signage (at key intersections), crushed glass in color concrete in the trail, a "poolhouse" fence for CEPTD concerns and as handrails and stop rails at busy streets. The desire is to create a unifying focus on all trails throughout the city, with different trail sections identified by a minor element such as changing color, etc.

The Gadsden Park project (a 1 mile trail around the lake) should be out to bid by the end of the year.

On the South Tampa Greenway, the MacDill AFB Agreement is under review by the base. Ms. Thompson inquired as to the status of the requested Environmental Assessment and Ms. Price informed the Committee that this had been completed. Additionally, there is a $200,000 FRDAP grant to build the section of the South Tampa Greenway from Bayshore Boulevard to Dale Mabry Highway.

The Keen property purchase has been approved by the State with a closing soon. Negotiations are underway for the acquisition of the Port Tampa properties between the AFB and Picnic Island. The FDOT is doing a feasibility study for an off-road trail along Manhattan Avenue. If the Gandy Bypass becomes a reality (unlikely), there will be a trail built in conjunction with it. Mr. Thornbrugh asked for a clarification on the source of the $200,000 FRDAP grant and was told that FRDAP money comes from the state. Ms. Price added that the City is federalizing the acquired properties to permit the use of federal dollars in the future.

The addition of "Share the Road" signage was discussed at a recent meeting Ms. Price had with the Transportation Division. These signs are proposed for roads that were identified by BPAC: S. Bayshore Blvd from Gandy Blvd to MacDill AFB, El Prado from Bayshore Blvd to Westshore Blvd, and Rowlett Park Drive. The Transportation Division staff mentioned that too many signs will eventually be "tuned out" by drivers, and won't result in the desired awareness.

The extension of the Hillsborough Greenway at the University of Tampa is moving forward. Ms. Price reported a phone call from the UT Director of Development Randy O'Kelly. Since the City is in negotiations with UT on lease renewal, the City will include trail easement information in the new agreement. With last year's addition of Plant Park to the Historic Register, the design shall have to carefully consider the historic character of the site and work with the long-term masterplan for historic restoration.

Two upcoming conferences include the International Trail Symposium on November 9-12 at Disneyworld. Then, from October 15-20 is the National Recreation and Park Association Congress at the Tampa Convention Center.

The Parks and Recreation Department Greenways and Trails position has been thawed and will be advertised after October 1. In Ms. Price's never-ending quest for trail information online, she found a report on increased property value near and adjacent to trails, some design standards and guidelines, and information on the Florida Birding Trail.

Mr. Wright and Ms. Price attended a meeting with the Davis Islands community. The community is working with the Planning Commission.

October is officially Florida Greenways and Trails Month. Municipalities and organizations are encouraged to inform the state any plans to celebrate the event.

Mr. Wright suggested that the City push the recognition of recent canoe launch facilities such as in Templecrest Park and Rowlett Park. Maps have been provided from the Southwest Florida Water Management District for our kiosks.

The Historic Water Department Site (Water Works Park), adjacent to the Old Police Station Site across the river from Blake High School, is in the master planning stage. Stetson is planning to build the law school at the Old Police Station Site and Bank of America is planning condos nearby. Connections of these proposed facilities to the Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center should be developed. Hardeman Kempton & Associates is currently researching the history of site.

Plans for Hope IV at Florida Avenue and Broad Street are also under development. Mr. Wright stressed the importance of trails that link this community to the surrounding community. He has been in contact with the Housing Authority to push these trails as well. Mr. Doug Pasley mentioned that TPD has been working with the Housing Authority on CEPTD issues for Hope IV and that Art Hussan is on the Hope IV commission. Ms. Higgins reiterated the importance of integration with the community surrounding Hope IV. Ms. Price suggested that all CAC members grab opportunities to encourage developers to add trails to their plans.

The Rivertower Park Site is finally under City ownership. Parks Department staff has informally investigated the tower structure and a lighting plan for the tower is being developed. A grant has been submitted to study its structure, followed by a grant submission to fund improvements/restoration. In Fiscal Year 2003, there are monies available for master

plan development and site security. Mr. Wright pointed out the importance of a connection to Sulphur Springs under the interstate. Ms. Price concurred and added that there are also plans for restoration to the Sulphur Springs gazebo including removal of the existing chain link fence.

"Share the Road" stickers are available and Ms. Price passed out stickers to attendees.

New Business:

Temple Terrace Greenways opportunities are close to fruition. They have a new planner for Greenways and Trails and this would be an excellent first step for the City's new GW&T planner later this year. Connections to desired destinations in Temple Terrace would benefit both municipalities. There is also an upcoming RiverFest in Temple Terrace in October.

Ms. Thompson suggested that the CAC brief the Tampa City Council with an annual status of the Tampa Greenways and Trails after the start of the new fiscal year, perhaps in February or April. Mr. Wright opined that the Council be contacted and encouraged to pass a resolution of October's status as Florida Greenways and Trails Month, perhaps as a request from Parks Director Ross Ferlita. The Council meeting date of October 3, 2002 was suggested as ideal.

Ms. Price passed around a Boulder, CO map highlighting bike trail thereon. Ms. Thompson mentioned a similar map she'd seen for New Hampshire and Ms. Higgins mentioned the Cady Trail in Missouri that was 100s of miles long built on an abandoned railroad corridor.

Mr. Thornbrugh brought up statistical information from downtown Denver CO and the success in their housing market with its extensive trail connections. This report was recently discussed in the Tampa Tribune.

Ms. Pasley noted that there are currently three squads of officers on bicycles.

Mr. Wright questioned when are we going to create some on-road trails with signage, as he and CAC member Laurie Potier-Brown have suggested in the past. Ms. Price replied that we are working with the Transportation Division on this issue as mentioned earlier.

Mr. Kramer noted the bike crossing/lane on Fowler Avenue at I-75 was well-done. He also noted that the Virginia Creeper Trail in Damascus, VA was actively supporting three bike rental concession stands (it originally opened with one).

Next Citizen's Advisory Committee Meeting is slated for December 10, 2002 at the Seminole Garden Center.

The meeting was adjourned at 7:30 pm.