Call to Order

Date: July 20 2004 

• Tuesday, July 20, 2004 6:00 pm Gandy Civic Association Building, 2704 West Oklahoma Street (South Tampa)

Attendees:

• Nina Mabilleau, COT Transportation Division, Sally Thompson, Chair, Kevin Dwyer, CAPT, Jill Buford, CAPT, Larry Weatherby, Hillsborough Greenways, Art Hushen, Tampa Police, Roy Paz, Tampa Police, Veronica Hills, Tampa Police, Sally Flynn, BPNA, Dan Thornburgh, BPNA, Ross Ferlita, member emeritus, Beth Alden, MPO, Karla Price, COT P&R, Mary Helen Duke, COT P&R.

Public Comments: Chair Sally Thompson opened the floor for public comments. Being none, Chair Thompson closed the floor to public comments.

Presentation: Beth Alden of the Hillsborough MPO made a presentation on the 2025 Long Range Transportation Plan. She reported that the MPO is required to prepare the plan every 3 years. The needs assessment is being developed now. Based on the plan, the MPO Board would be presented a Cost Affordable Plan in November. To develop the plan, the MPO would like to know what funding sources the City expects to utilize. Ms. Alden noted that the same amount of funds would be available from federal sources this year. Jill Buford asked that Gandy Boulevard be included in the list. Ms. Duke noted that the Bay shore Boulevard Greenway, including the South Davis Boulevard Trail needed to be added to the LRTP.

TIP CMAQ Applications: Ms. Duke reported that the CAC’s requests had performed well with the MPO BPAC ranking city greenway projects as the highest priorities. She reported that the applications were being reviewed by the CMAQ, Policy, CAC and TAC subcommittees before final recommendations being made to the MPO. The MPO is scheduled to adopt priorities in September.

2004 DEP Office of Greenway & Trails Grant Application: Ms. Duke reported that she was developing grant application materials for a new submission. Staff had received word that the city would need to reapply.

Project Updates: Ms. Duke provided a report on the status of construction of the Gadsden Park Trail. Asphalt is expected to go down soon. There have been weather delays. She is monitoring the Imperial Yacht Basin rezoning application. She noted this is a critical connection to the Friendship Trail Bridge. Discussion followed on need to ensure City Council support for this trail connection. Kevin Dwyer suggested the CAC forward a letter to City Council members. It was suggested that someone directly contact Mary Alvarez. A motion to forward a letter, to be developed by the Chair, to City Council stressing the critical need for a trail connection through the subject parcel was made by Jill Buford. Motion seconded by Kevin Dwyer. Motion passed unanimously.

Ms. Duke reported that staff is working with FDOT and the Expressway Authority on mitigation for the proposed I-4 Connector impact on McKay Bay Nature Park. Mitigation may include construction of a maintenance service road/bridge structure between 34th Street and 50th street which may be utilized for bike/pedestrian/greenway purposes. Ms. Duke reported FDOT, due to FHWA issues, now thinks it may only be constructed between 34th Street and 39th Street. City staff is working to extend this project to 50th Street.

Karla Price reported on the recent construction of a wide pathway on Dale Mabry, west of Al Lopez Park. Ms. Duke reported that plans are to extend this north to Van Dyke Road. Ms. Duke reported that a needs assessment is being conducted for the Courtney Campbell Causeway.

Ms. Duke reported that construction of the Hillsborough River Greenway: Rivercrest Park Trail is scheduled for winter. She referred to copies of the plan and asked for comments. Ms. Duke reported that staff is working on the Sulphur Springs Park Trail.

Ms. Thompson stated she and Ms. Duke had attended numerous Bayshore Boulevard Task Force meetings. Ms. Duke referred to the draft BTTF recommendations in the packet. The CAC discussed the recommendations.

Ms. Duke provided a report on the Tampa-Hillsborough Blueways Committee. She noted there were over 130 volunteers/resources on the mailing list and about 60 paddling volunteers. The county has been divided up into 4 paddling teams. The next meeting is August 4. Significant progress is being made in testing trails.

Ms. Thompson referred to the development review report in the packet. Ms. Duke reported that staff is monitoring all major developments adjacent to trails.

Ms. Duke reported that staff is working on developing trail markers and trail signage standards. Specific signs are being developed for Gadsden Park Trail. These signs will set the tone for future signage and will incorporate some of the Navarette design concepts. We will have trailhead signs, gateway signs, directional signs and information signs.

Ms. Thompson opened the floor for new business and announcements.

Ms. Thompson thanked Al Steenson for use of the Gandy Civic Association building. She stated the next meeting date is September 21, 2004 at the Kate Jackson Community Center.

The meeting adjourned at approximately 8:00 pm.