Call to Order

Date: March 16, 2004

• Ms. Sally Thompson called the meeting to order at 6:05 pm. Introductions were made all around as there were several first-time attendees.

Attendees:

• Erle Boynton, Capt. Tom Bryan, Sally Flynn, Ross Ferlita, Shannon Gittleman, Richard Johnson, Nina Mabilleau (Transportation), Joe, Roy Paz (TPD), Randy Stribling, Sally Thompson (Chair), Dan Thornbrugh, Gena Torres (MPO), Larry Weatherby, Rheda Weeks, Mary Helen Duke, Karen Cashon, Karla Price

Old Business:

• Blake Trail Extension: Ms. Duke informed the CAC that the Tampa Prep and University of Tampa surveys are complete but the agreements are not yet finalized. The recent sale of Presbyterian Village has that agreement delayed by legalities but the new owner is willing to work with the City. Negotiations are also underway with the Hillsborough County School Board regarding downtown parking spaces in exchange for trail access behind Blake High School. Security devices from Code Blue range in cost based on chosen options and are considered highly durable by the Tampa Police Department. Ms. Duke added that the City is looking at possible grants to pay for security devices.

  South Tampa Greenway: Gadsden Park Trail: After the original bid package costs returned too high, the City is pursuing a method of using the County contract for construction. Construction is expected to begin by summer 2004.

  Manhattan Avenue: The purchasers of the Liao property between Westshore Blvd and Manhattan Avenue have offered to work with the City to create a trail along unplatted Tyson Street.

  MacDill Bike Trail: The easement is still being worked out with Base Command. A new Base Commander is expected to take control this summer. Ms. Dan Thornbrugh pointed out the City had an agreement with a previous Base Commander and a meeting with the current/new Base Commander should be set up to facilitate compliance with the initial agreement. The potential loss of funds should the trail be delayed or eliminated should be stressed to the Base. Councilman John Dingfelder has been active with Base Command and could be helpful. The Environmental Assessment had been completed and the fence moved. Eglin AFB has trails so issues of security, while valid, are surmountable. Capt. Tom Bryan moved that the CAC contact Base Command to set up a meeting date, that the CAC write a letter to the State Representative, the State Senator, and the Mayor. Mr. Ross Ferlita added that such letter contain a history recap. Ms. Sally Flynn seconded the motion. It passed unanimously. Tampa Electric Company has worked out a 26 year lease agreement with the City for the trail segment on their property.

  McKay Bay Trail: Plans are being created for a widening of the Crosstown which impacts a 39’ swath of McKay Bay Nature Park. Ms. Duke is working with the consultant and FDOT District 7 to include a bike trail.

  22nd Street Relocation: This paved path of the east side of 22nd Street is expected to be signed over to the City this summer. There are no bollards to keep motor traffic off the trail at the intersections and no signage. The City is seeking funds for the 40 bollards needed.

  Lemon Street Extension: This extension from Westshore along the south side if I-275 to Carmen Street, north up Lois Avenue, the east along the north side of I275 to Dale Mabry Highway. This would be proposed for FY2010 as part of the Interstate widening. Mr. Ken Hartman (FDOT District 7) is willing to consider the proposal but does not have construction dollars. Mr. Randy Stribling moved that the CAC sent a letter to Mr. Hartman expressing our support. Capt. Tom Bryan seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

  2004 Goals and Objectives: Topic moved to next meeting.

  Organizational Discussion Stakeholders: The following members should be contacted to attend CAC meetings. Voting Members: Westshore Alliance, THAN, IPP (Interbay Peninsular Partnership). Liaison Members: MacDill AFB, TECO, CSX, Rails to Trails, Tampa Chamber of Commerce, Visitor Convention Bureau. Resource Members: SWFWMD, EPC, DEP, Friends of the River

  Organizational Discussion Subcommittees: The question was raised as to the need for subcommittees for each Greenway section. It was pointed out that as part of the responsibilities of the CAC was the ability to determine subcommittees but that a subcommittee needs a specific goal or it will die out. It was decided to appoint subcommittees on an as-needed basis.

  Tampa City Council Briefing: This needs to happen soon. Discussion moved to next meeting.

  Trail Easements/ROW Preservation Incentives/Development Regulations/Staff Procedures: Discussion moved to next meeting.

New Business:

• TIP Project Prioritization: There will be a meeting on April 27, 2004 at 5pm to discuss the goals and objectives for the Transportation Improvement Program to be submitted to the MPO. Location to be announced. There will be a planned meeting on April 13, 2004 by the subcommittee to report to the CAC at the April 27th meeting. Time and location of subcommittee meeting to be announced.

  Bayshore Boulevard Traffic Task Force (BTTF): The City of Tampa Parks and Recreation Department asked to be included and was refused but their Greenways and Trails Coordinator has been allowed to attend and observe. The Mayor, however, has indicated that Ms. Duke shall be permitted to speak at the meetings. It was also suggested that the citizens take advantage of the new City of Tampa Customer Service Center to submit comments to the City on this issue.

  Neighborhood Outreach: Discussion moved to next meeting.

  Blueways Field Trip: The Hillsborough County Blueways subcommittee will include the City of Tampa.

  GreenFest 2004: This plant festival will be held on March 27 and 28th. On-table literature will include greenways and trails information.

  National Bicycle Greenway Mayor’s Ride: To be held Tuesday June 1, 2004. The route is yet to be announced and Ms. Duke will notify the CAC members by e-mail.

  Public Comments: Ms. Rheda Weeks of the Sierra Club announced upcoming Earth Day events including a Flotilla on Saturday April 24, 2004, and a Gallary event that night. There are also activities planned on Thursday April 22, 2004 at the University of South Florida.

  Other Business/Announcements: None

  Next Citizen’s Advisory Committee Meeting is scheduled for May 11, 2004 at the Seminole Garden Center, 5800 Central Avenue.

  The meeting was adjourned at 8:07 pm.

Special Presentations:

• Hillsborough County Greenway: Ms. Gena Torres of Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) spoke about the Hillsborough County Pedestrain Crash Analysis 2001.” This report, based on the analysis of over 600 pedestrian-vehicular conflicts, demonstrated that Hillsborough County has a 3.90 rate vs. the national rate of 1.73 and Florida’s rate of 3.06. Per public polls, people want better facilities and conditions, and trails are needed. An update to the Pedestrian Plan is underway and focused on (1) countermeasures to road design and (2) educational programs. The MPO will gather data on pedestrian facilities and assess the information to determine the local needs: just filling the gaps between existing sidewalk sections is not enough. Improvements to existing corridors, i.e., trees, lighting, etc., are also desired enhancements. In June, the MPO will have a draft available for public comments.