Date: November 10, 2005 

Attendees:

• Attendees: Jill Buford (Sustainable Communities), Ron Gregory (URS), Erle Boynton, Margaret Smith (FDOT), Nina Mabilleau (COT Transportation), Stanley Kroh (Hillsborough Greenways Committee), Noah Kroh, Randy Stribling (South Seminole Heights Civic Association), Kevin Dwyer (Port Tampa Civic Association), Mary Helen Duke (COT Parks & Recreation)

The meeting was called to order by Randy Stribling, Vice-Chair.

I. Public Comments: The floor was opened for public comments. There were none.

II. I-4 Connector/McKay Bay Nature Park Mitigation

Mary Helen Duke provided a brief overview of negotiations with FDOT and the Tampa-Hillsborough Expressway Authority regarding the impact of the I-4 Connector "Z Alignment" on McKay Bay Nature Park and plans for the McKay Bay Greenway to run along the northern shore of McKay Bay. A map of the proposed McKay Bay Greenway was on display as well as the proposed "Z Alignment". Ms. Duke explained that the project is scheduled for funding in the FDOT Work Program in 2006. A map of the proposed "Z Alignment" was displayed and discussed. Ms. Duke explained the two different alignments being offered as options by FDOT.

The southern alignment would run along the northern banks of McKay Bay from 34^th Street to 39^th Street with an improved trail with bridge structures where needed. From 39^th Street to 50^th Street, FDOT proposes to provide a prepped area for the City to ultimately surface when funds become available.

The northern alignment runs from the McKay Bay Nature Park entrance north on 34^th Street (east side) to the south side of Adamo Drive, then runs west on the south side of Adamo Drive (between Adamo Drive and the expressway) to 39^th Street, then south on 39^th Street to the prepped area which could be surfaced by the City between 39^th Street and 50^th Street.

Ms. Duke explained the Parks & Recreation Department’s concerns regarding the northern alignment and reported that staff is recommending the southern alignment with the addition of the 34^th Street connection to the northwest side of Adamo Drive and an FDOT paved surface on the section between 39^th Street and 50^th Street.

Ron Gregory (URS) and Margaret Smith (FDOT Interstate Program Manager) discussed the merits of each alternative and answered questions from the GTCAC. Ms. Duke explained that the City was in the process of forwarding a mitigation letter to FDOT regarding the potential impact of the Z Alignment on McKay Bay Nature Park and the planned greenway trail connection. The need for 3^rd party information sessions such as the McKay Bay Users Group was discussed. City staff reported they would be available to attend these FDOT sponsored meetings. The GTCAC indicated they supported the southern alignment.

III. Presentation: Courtney Campbell Causeway Scenic Highway Designation: Mary Helen Duke provided a report on the designation ceremony held November 4, 2005 for the Florida Scenic Highway Designation. A statewide TE grant application is being prepared on behalf of the CCC Multi-Use Trails Committee by the Pinellas MPO staff. City P&R staff is working with FDOT staff and Pinellas staff on this initiative. Potential wetlands impacts of the Links I project were discussed.

Old Business

IV. Tampa Greenways & Trails Master Plan Map Amendment: Ms. Duke provided handouts of the proposed amendment map and listing of proposed amendments and public workshop comments. Discussion by the GTCAC followed. The GTCAC decided not to set a public hearing on January 17, 2006.

V. Regional Trails Priority List Status Report – Ms. Duke explained the CCC regional prioritization process developed by the CCC Multi-Use Trails Committee and provided a draft prioritization handout of Hillsborough County projects.

VII. FY06/07 – FY10/11 MPO Board TIP Funding Recommendations - Ms. Duke discussed the MPO Board TIP Funding Recommendations in the handout provided. Significant funding for trails is included in the program, including the Riverwalk. Numerous candidate projects are listed that require further documentation before achieving funding status.

VIII. Riverwalk – Status Report/Public Workshop – November 15, 2005, Maestros, 6pm. Mr. Stribling encouraged everyone to attend this workshop to provide input into Riverwalk design.

IX. Website – Status of Update – Ms. Duke reported that staff was actively working on the trails website. Significant updates are complete and are being reviewed/edited before final posting.

X. Development Review Report – Ms. Duke reported on significant rezoning cases currently being reviewed.

New Business

XI. Community Investment Tax (Hillsborough County) - Ms. Duke reported that the Hillsborough Greenways Committee was successful in harnessing $5 million toward trails via the new CIT program for the county. Erle Boynton spoke eloquently at the County Commission public hearing on behalf of trails funding.

Other Business

XII. Other Business: There was no other business brought before the GTCAC.

XIII. Next Meeting Date: Randy Stribling announced the next meeting would be Tuesday, January 17, 2006 at the Kate Jackson Community Center, 821 S. Rome Avenue 6:30pm

Articles

Articles were provided as handouts.

Adjourn

Mr. Stribling adjourned the meeting.

Respectfully Submitted:

Mary Helen Duke 

Greenways & Trails Coordinator

Approved: 1/17/06