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Minutes 09-22-14 MINUTES OF THE RECREATION AND PARKS BOARD MEETING HELD IN COMMISSION CHAMBERS, CITY HALL, 100 E. BOYNTON EACH BLVD., BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA, ON MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2014, AT 6:30 P.M. PRESENT: Elizabeth Pierce-Roe, Chair Wally Majors, Recreation and Parks Director Catherine Scantlan, Vice Chair Michael Byrd Robert Lapin Trevor Rosecrans Renee Stern Nicholas Skarecki, Alternate ABSENT: Charles Kanter 1. CALL TO ORDER Chair Pierce-Roe called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. 11. ATTENDANCE Self-Introductions were made. I1111. APPROVAL OF MINUTES The narrative Mr. Majors sent to the Board was considered the minutes. It was very general, but captured the essence of the discussion. Motion Ms. Stern moved to accept. The motion was seconded by Mr. Rosecrans and unanimously passed. IV. UNFINISHED BUSINESS A. Parks Tour Mr. Majors explained, during the tour, Mr. Rosecrans inquired about the cost to maintain a park as an undeveloped park, and he advised it was about $100 a month to cut the grass. Chair Pierce-Roe commented one key point why the public did not want parks to be developed was they thought nuisances, loitering and vandalism frequently occurred. Chair Pierce-Roe checked with the Police Department and learned there were no such instances, and the parks were quiet. Mr. Majors commented they may discuss Meeting Minutes Recreation and Parks Advisory Board Boynton Beach, Florida September 22, 2014 prioritizing which parks should be developed. V. NEW BUSINESS A. Holiday Parade Grand Marshal Nominations Mr. Majors announced the City was accepting nominations for the Parade Grand Marshall until the Friday before the meeting in October. Nominations could also be submitted online. B. Greenway and Bikeway Master Plan Chair Pierce-Roe inquired if a Blueway would be included in the Greenway/Bikeway plan and learned it was. She pointed out Quantum and Girl Scout Parks were large and beautiful and would be suitable for kayaking. She thought the parks could include a ramp. Mr. Majors explained consultants were working to update the plan, which was created in 2004. John Wildner, author of the report from 2004, was present and explained the plan was to help develop greenway, bikeways and blueways which are linear corridors that allow one to jog, walk, bike and kayak in a safe environment. The goal was for the plan to be complementary to the County and State plans. Stewart Robertson, Consultant with Kimley Horn, and Lisa Wan, Engineer,were present. They sought to expand what was done in the past, discuss different types of improvements to the project, and would review what the County Parks and Recreation Department, the Metropolitan Planning Organization, (MPO) and Treasure Coast Regional Planning Council (TCRPC) were doing. The goals and objectives established by the City were to identify, define and prioritize ways to implement greenway trails and associated amenities such as trailheads, canoe and kayak launches, and incorporate the Intracoastal Waterway and canals into the greenway network. They were looking to promote active transportation and other benefits of active transportation, such as active communities, access to jobs, social equity and more. They will make recommendations on design guidelines, an action plan, and address the diversity of users. Non-motorized transportation has a broad range of uses such as accessing jobs, shopping trips, going to school and recreation, and different types of facilities would be needed to accommodate those users. The Plan was used as a guide, but was never formerly adopted by the City Commission. The City created the Palmetto Greenway on the south side of the C-13 Canal on either side of Seacrest Boulevard. It is a linear path open to pedestrians and cyclists. 2 Meeting Minutes Recreation and Parks Advisory Board Boynton Beach, Florida September 22, 2014 The initial network of bike routes laid out by the County identified and mapped to be incorporated into the bikeway network as neighborhood greenways was viewed. Some of them were local streets appropriate for most cyclists due to the low volume and speed of the vehicles. Part of a street or resurfacing project would include pedestrian, cycling improvements and facilities, signs and bike lanes. The lanes would be designated through pavement and striped markings. The City currently has bikeway corridors on Gateway Boulevard, between Seacrest and U.S 1 /Federal Highway. The bikeway on U.S. 1 was the first buffered bikeway issued by the Florida Department of Transportation, which was similar to the bikeway corridors, except for the painted buffer providing greater separation between moving cars and cyclists. Pedestrian improvements would encompass sidewalks and crosswalks. The crosswalks would have a wide pedestrian refuge in the median and would be aesthetically pleasing so motorists would notice changes to the pavement marking the approach to the crosswalk. Examples of crosswalks were viewed. Motorists would yield to pedestrians in the crosswalk at a yield bar across the travel lanes. Interactive flashing beacons could be used at mid -walk crosswalks or at un- signalized intersections. Even at un- signalized intersections, if a crosswalk is not marked, by law, there is still a legal crossing for pedestrians to use. Photos of the various beacons were viewed. A higher level of pedestrian crossing could be implemented through a hybrid beacon which includes a red light which forces motorists to stop. These were preferable, in some instances, over the full beacons, and from a traffic flow standpoint, still allowing for safety. Traffic calming devices on streets with higher speeds, and shared lane markings could be used resulting in street cyclists feeling more comfortable using the route and it gives a more greenway feel by bringing the bike path into the neighborhood. It connects directly to where people live so they can access it much better. Several tools and signs were viewed which included: • Traffic circles to slow vehicles down and assist cyclists • Shared -use paths along the canal and road rights -of -way • The FEC Corridor, which would establish a continuous north /south Greenway called the Flagler Trail • Canoe and kayak launches with park -like amenities at launch locations, such as shelters, informational kiosks, tables, benches, racks and trailheads. 3 Meeting Minutes Recreation and Parks Advisory Board Boynton Beach, Florida September 22, 2014 Examples of communities that implemented rails with trails were viewed. One example was in Miami with the MetroPath (M-Path), which runs under the rail. It was compatible because it connected all the train stations along the MetroRail Corridor. Corridors identified in Boynton Beach were the Flagler Trail, Boynton Beach Boulevard, and the C-13 canal, including the Palmetto Greenway. This would connect to the north side of the Boynton Beach Mall where the City has identified a kayak launch and trail head, and connect them to the eastern portion of the City. They were also looking for a north/south canal through Renaissance Commons and the west side of Quantum. There could be a trail along the canal besides Congress Avenue. Miner Road was an important corridor because the right-of-way between the road and canal on the north connects to the Preserve, and on High Ridge Road, they were attempting to connect to the Tri-Rail station. Some streets that were part of the bike route network would be incorporated as a Neighborhood Greenway using Seacrest as a north/south facility through the central portion of the City. There may be an opportunity to incorporate livability standards by decreasing lane widths from 11 feet to 10 feet on designated on-street bike lanes. A downtown Boynton inset map which included part of the Town Square Development to create pedestrian-oriented development downtown, the Transit Oriented- Development District at 500 Ocean, and potential redevelopment on the Bank of America site along the east side of U.S. 1 would be developed. There was the potential for a Tri-Rail Coastal Link Station. They looked at incorporating the County and regional projects and an on-road bike study, which rated roadways for their ability to accommodate cyclists revealed Federal Highway was rated the best. Congress Avenue was the worst. The level of service for bikes was not the same as for cars. On a regional level, the Treasure Coast Regional Planning Council identified a Greenway network and a representative would participate on an Interagency Steering Committee. There were several trails in Boynton Beach, including Lawrence Road, and a Tri-Rail connect corridor using the canal running north through Renaissance and Gateway to High Ridge Road. They looked at surface and paved paths for pedestrians and hiking trails. There are paved paths for bicycle and pedestrian access. The TCRPC identified the status of the various projects and they are incorporating some corridors identified for Boynton Beach. They were filling in the rest of the skeletal structure to connect the different communities to the regional network. Vice Chair Scantlan asked the following questions: Are the beacons audio beacons to accommodate those with visual impairments? 4 Meeting Minutes Recreation and Parks Advisory Board Boynton Beach, Florida September 22, 2014 • Will the buffer lanes have textured warnings? • Are there any future texting recognition warnings so those texting could be caught,? • Does shared uses include skateboards? • Will there be emergency call boxes on routes that are not easily accessible for emergency personnel? • Will there be any police routes? Mr. Robertson explained audible beacon messages could be used to indicate when the device was activated. In response to textured warning buffers, there is a product called Audible and Vibratory Edge Line Striping which tends to be used on rural roadways that was suitable for bike lanes. He liked it for bike lanes because it is more forgiving for cyclists than the in- ground rumble strips. Police bicyclists being part of the program was something the City could choose to add and Mr. Robertson usually included this recommendation. In response to the question about emergency call boxes. Mr. Robertson explained due to the prevalence of cell phones, not many projects include them, but it was something that could be reviewed as part of the project. Chair Pierce -Roe inquired if there was a bike patrol in the City. Mr. Majors responded there were in the past, but he had not seen them in a long time. He was aware they were part of the CRA Police unit, and it was something that could be discussed with the Police Chief. Ms. Stern inquired if bikeways would be included in the Master Plan for areas under development. Mr. Majors explained the first step was to identify areas for the Greenway /Bikeway, and this could take some time. Once those areas have been selected and interest has been determined, they would seek funding. Chair Pierce -Roe commented about Golf Road and Jaycee Park extending between Congress and Military Trail. Mr. Majors explained, just west of Federal Highway, on SE 23 Avenue, there is a bike trail sign. Mr. Robertson explained there were bike route signs on the north side of SW 23 Avenue between Federal and Congress Avenue. It was a five -foot asphalt path, identified as an existing facility and one they want to improve for bicycling to connect to areas west of Congress Avenue.. It was incorporated into the project, but was missing sidewalks near the railroad tracks. 5 Meeting Minutes Recreation and Parks Advisory Board B oynto n Beach, Florida September 22, 20 Chair Pierce -Roe thought if there was a path by Golf Road heading south, users would encounter FPL and Girl Scout Parks. There is land along the canal and a rail path that could be a trail head. Mr. Robertson distributed a question and answer sheet for the Board to complete. They use a sign -in sheet to record the number of people they were able to make presentations to since public involvement was required. It also helped with the MPO portion of the project. Chair Pierce -Roe inquired if Mr. Robertson contacted any biking groups because there are very large groups, especially in Delray Beach. It was noted the City of Delray Beach, in partnership with the FDOT and the Delray Beach CRA did a trial project on U.S. 1 which could be a model to show what occurs to motorists and cyclists when a lane is removed from a major roadway to accommodate a bike lane. Mr. Skarecki requested he receive a copy of the map and could see how a path could cross the canal and go to the High School. Mr. Robertson explained they were promoting the idea of a path on the north side, but crossing underneath 95 would be problematic. Mr. Majors also agreed to distribute a copy of the PowerPoint presentation to the members. Glenda Hall, Forestry and Grounds Manager, explained the title of the Plan will include the word Blueways. The Florida Paddle and Trails Association worked with the City to make Boynton a Blueways Community, but the person working on that project left the City so Ms. Hall could not give an update. Vice Chair Scantlan noted the original survey was 10 years old, and inquired what percentage of it came to fruition. She also inquired if there were any monies associated with the County, regional and State plans. Mr. Robertson explained the master plans being developed were not funded master plans. They only identified the corridors that would need funding because it helps to identify the regional and state master plan on the map when seeking grants. As to the 2004 Plan, the Palmetto Greenway and its expansion was the most significant item implemented in the original plan. Chair Pierce -Roe recalled when looking at the study 10 years ago, there was an issue with railways that did not work well, but now the railways were considering allowing the use. Mr. Robertson confirmed the FEC, in particular, was engaging the idea of public facilities within the right -of -way in conjunction with the All Aboard Florida passenger rail service. They were also working with the Florida Department of Transportation, South Florida Regional Transportation Authority and the South Florida Water Management District for canal rights -of -way. Access to recreation was a secondary purpose of the State Water Management District, via State Statute. Providing access where possible for bike trails would be consistent with that secondary purpose, but the City would have to work within their guidelines and permitting requirements. 6 Meeting Minutes Recreation and Parks Advisory Board Boynton Beach, Florida September 22, 2014 Mr. Rosecrans inquired what the standard width and surface of a bikeway would be and learned it was usually about 10 -feet wide, which was the minimum width to provide bicyclists and inline skaters. Trails that were more crowded would have a greater width. The paths are usually asphalt, but can be concrete. The costs were estimated to be $300,000 to $400,000 per mile for asphalt including landscaping, the path and a few amenities. On -road bike lanes would be significantly less because it only involved striping and signage. Hiking trails could be a designated maintenance road already in existence with some compacting or additional amenities. It can cost $30K per mile and in general 10% to 20% of the cost of creating a full paved bike path. If designated as a hiking /equestrian trail, a designated existing right -of -way could be used and connections added, such as an intersection, which was where a financial investment would need to be made. It would be important that rights -of -way be accessed for maintenance and emergency services. Asphalt could be an issue because of some of the equipment they use and because it may damage the asphalt surface. Jack Farley, 700 E. Boynton Beach Boulevard, explained he and his wife are walkers, bicyclists and he kayaks. He wanted to discuss the Blueway program and pointed out Mangrove Park was a beautiful site to kayak. In the 2004 storms, many trees were lost and they were blocking the existing trailways. He urged the plan include, from a connectivity aspect, having a designation for paddle boarders, kayakers, and canoes where they can rent a kayak from a vendor at the Intracoastal Park Clubhouse and go to the Mangroves. The Mangroves were all natural, but they would have to clear the canal which was not maintained after wind blew trees down. There were mangroves with similar trails in Ocean Ridge and the County has a facility for power boats, but there is a loop restricted to kayak and canoe use. Arranging for maintenance at Mangrove Park so the trails would be open to kayakers would enhance the use of the park and all the facilities. Vice Chair Scantlan asked if the Mangroves were dead or just blocking access. Mr. Farley explained the City restored the park to a certain extent. There are now elevated walkways for people to walk and the Mangroves were alive and healthy. It was an underused facility because kayakers cannot get through the trees. If the City cleared the existing trail, it would encourage boat rentals. Vendors at the Marina have boats, jet skis, kayaks and canoes, and all could enjoy the facilities in downtown areas. He encouraged the Board to work with the County and Ocean Ridge. It would attract more kayakers. He pointed out he was a member of a Pack and Paddle Club and they would use the facilities more. Ms. Hall was also a member of the Pack and Paddle Club, and explained after the storms, the broken branches were left in the water which clogged the trails. Some of that could be cleared. She acknowledged there were strict restrictions on pruning mangroves, but if it was written there was a paddling trail in the making at the Park, 7 Meeting Minutes Recreation and Parks Advisory Board Boynton Beach, Florida September 22, 2014 there was more leeway to clear it. She pointed out there was a cost to clear the debris. She advised at high tide, kayakers can get through the Mangroves, but not at low tide. When the boardwalk was constructed, the thoughts were not about paddling underneath. Mr. Rosecrans recommended contacting the Florida Inland Navigation District. Chair Pierce-Roe also recalled when they held a tour, people could canoe there and when they did the coastal cleanup, she removed tires and coolers. Ms. Hall agreed it was a challenging location to clear debris. Mangrove Park was originally part of Mosquito Control. Mr. Wildner was more involved in the creation of Mangrove Park, and she would do more research. The original plan for Mangrove Park was superimposed on the mosquito control ditches. When they created the Plan and the Park, they did not necessarily designate it for canoe or kayak trails, but that designation could be encouraged. Mr. Majors explained they were taking initial steps for a comprehensive plan and those items dealing with future development will be filtered through the Board. The Board should have the final draft in March or April of next year. Suggestions should be sent to him and he would forward them to Mr. Robertson and Ms. Wan. He thanked the Board for good suggestions and Mr. Wildner for attending the meeting. VI. ITEMS FOR THE CITY MANAGER'S ATTENTION None. VII. NEXT TI: October 27, 2014 Mr. Majors announced the next meeting would be at 6:30 p.m. on October 27 th VII. ADJOURNMENT Mr. Rosecrans moved to adjourn. The motion was duly seconded and unanimously passed. The meeting was adjourned at 7:39 p.m. Catherine Cherry Minutes Specialist 09128114 8