Local Government Sarasota/Manatee MPO Meeting Results 1/23/2012

AGENDA RESULTS FOR JANUARY 23, 2012

I. OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

(Items not on the agenda)

II. CAC/TAC CHAIR'S REPORT

Councilwoman Marianne Barnebey City of Bradenton

1. The Chairs of the Citizen Advisory Committee (CAC), Dale Stephenson, and Technical Advisory Committee (TAC), Kathleen Weeden, will update the MPO on those committees’ activities and provide the MPO Board an opportunity to direct questions. Kathleen Weeden reported they are looking to improve 15th. Street East .

III. FDOT REPORT

1. FDOT will provide the MPO with an update on activities and issues and provide the MPO Board members an opportunity to direct questions. Announced; New Director, Chris Smith, and Liaison Roxanne Lake.

IV. MPO EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S REPORT

1. The MPO Executive Director, Michael Howe, will update the Board Members on activities and issues. Howe said, we are short in funding.  Manatee Commissioner Joe McClash seeks direction for proposals to repair the 301 bridge. He said it was in the long term plan, adding, "From the Civic Center to the Red Barn, there isn't even a sidewalk." and that they needed to bring the stake holders together. MPO Chairwoman and City of Palmetto Mayor Shirley Grover Bryant said, " It would lay the future ground work for the future of the area." and asked for motion requesting a report from staff. Vote to request staff for report -- Approved, 13 - 0, Marianne Barnebey, absent.

V. CHAIR’S REPORT

1. The MPO Chair, Mayor Shirley Groover Bryant, will update the Board Members on activities and issues.

VI. CONSENT SECTION All matters listed under the Consent Section are considered to be routine and will be enacted by one motion. There will be no separate discussion of these items. If discussion is desired by an MPO Board member, that item will be removed from the Consent Section and will be considered at the end of the section.

1. Approval of Meeting Minutes

Staff will seek a motion to approve the December 12, 2011 Meeting Minutes.

2. Citizen Advisory Committee (CAC) Reappointment

Staff will seek a motion to ratify an appointment to the CAC.

3. Appointments to the Sarasota/Manatee MPO Bicycle, Pedestrian and Trails Advisory Committee Staff will seek a motion to confirm appointment of new members.

Consent Section -- Approved, 13 - 0,  Marianne Barnebey, absent

VII. BOARD ACTION

1. Transit Latent Demand Study Between Sarasota and Charlotte Counties

Review and authorize study of possible transit service between the two counties. -- Sarasota County Commissioner, Jon Thaxton said, "It's hard to consider what it will cost to bring two bus systems together that don't exist." Homes Beach Mayor, Rich Bohnerberger, said, "We need to come back when it's explained exactly what is involved." Manatee County Commissioner Joe McClash asked MPO Directoe Miachel Howe, " Do you have the political will to increase funds?" and Howe replied stating, "The request came from Sarasota originally," and added it would cost about $60,000 to do a two way study. Sarasota Vice Mayor Terry Turner expressed he would be uncomfortable discussing this until there was some understanding. Sarasota Commissioner Nora Paterson felt a fixed route was necessary but thought it would be three to four years down the road before it would happen, then McClash suggested "we ned to go to DOT for a grant and in four years any study would be out dated, we would be waisting dollars for a study so we should wait to get some more information from DOT." Venice Councilman Jim Bennett thought it was it was worth the small amount to get some data that would assist future development. A motion to table the issue until the next meeting. -- Approved, 8 to 6. Marianne Barnebey, absent

2. US 41 Venice Bypass Peer Review Follow Up

Follow up of the report and recommendations for the US 41 Venice Bypass Corridor. Daniel K Hardy, from Renaissance Planning Group, presented the MPO requested "Peer Review" study that recommended, Plan A, of the three plans presented at the MPO meeting last December. The vote to accept plan A, -- Approved, 9 to 4. Marianne Barnebey, absent.  ( The Story)

VIII. REPORTS AND PRESENTATIONS (May Require Board Action)

1. Safe Routes To School (SRTS)

FDOT will present a review of the SRTS program. Sarita A Taylor, conducted the presentation. Some of the benefits of the Safe Routes to School Programs (SRTS) are, A: Reduces the number of children hit by cars. B: Reduces congestion around schools. C: Improves Children's physical activity. D: Reduces air pollution. E: Leads to cost savings for parents and schools. F: Increases child's sense of freedom. The SRTS program was established in 2005. For more information go to: www.srtsfl.org

2. Commuter Services/Van Pooling

FDOT will present a review of the Commuter Services program. District Public Transit Administrator Richard Shine, M.S. delivered the Sarasota-Manatee Counties FDOT Commuter Services Program Presentation. He covered all of the options on how people could get to work without driving by themselves. The Florida Department of Transportation, District One program started in 2007. It serves travelers in District One's 12 county region and at no cost to individual participants. The program helps to build a wider range of transportation choices -- like better access to carpools, van-pools, or transit services, bicycle and walking. Shine spoke of the enormous network of Outreach Activities and the partners involved. He thanked City of Bradenton Councilwoman Marianne Barnebey for all of her help in the program.

IX. COMMITTEE REPORTS

1. Tampa Bay Area Regional Transportation Authority (TBARTA) The members were asked to remind their constituents to;  STOP FOR THE TROLLEY.

2. Public Transportation Task Force (PTTF) -- Councilman Jim Bennett said, he wants the board to think about a replacement for him.

X. NEXT MEETING DATE

No meeting in February, the next meeting will be held March 26, 2012, location to be determined. 

XI. ADJOURNMENT

NO COMMENTS.