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Pinellas County Metropolitan Planning Organization 310 Court Street, 2nd Floor, Clearwater, Florida 33756 (727) 464-8250 Fax (727) 464-8212

BICYCLE PEDESTRIAN ADVISORY COMMITTEE (BPAC) MEETING

MONDAY APRIL 20, 2015

8:30 A.M.

PINELLAS COUNTY PLANNING DEPARTMENT CONFERENCE ROOM – 1ST FLOOR

310 COURT STREET CLEARWATER, FLORIDA 33756

AGENDA

1. CALL TO ORDER AND INTRODUCTIONS 2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – MARCH 16, 2015 3. MPO ACTIONS – APRIL 8, 2015 4. SAN MARTIN BOULEVARD BRIDGE REPLACEMENT 5. TRANSPORTATION ALTERNATIVES PROGRAM – PROJECT RANKING CRITERIA AND COMPLETION OF CURRENT APPLICATIONS

6. PROJECT UPDATES • Bicycle Pedestrian Facilities • Roadway Projects • Educational and Other Projects

7. NEW BUSINESS 8. OTHER BUSINESS A. Access to Transit Study B. U.S. 19 Corridor Study Update C. Agency Reports D Membership E. Correspondence, Publications, Articles of Interest F. Other

9. ADJOURNMENT h:\users\trans\webupload\BPACAgenda4-20-15.docx

NEXT BPAC MEETING – MAY 18, 2015

Public participation is solicited without regard to race, color, national origin, age, sex, religion, disability, or family status. Persons who require special accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act or persons who require translation services (free of charge) should contact the Office of Human Rights, 400 South Fort Harrison Avenue, Suite 300, Clearwater, Florida 33756; [(727) 464-4062 (V/TDD)] at least seven days prior to the meeting.

BPAC: 4/20/15

BPAC – ITEM 2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES The meeting summary for the March 16, 2015 meeting is attached for review and approval. ATTACHMENTS: BPAC Meeting Summary – March 16, 2015 ACTION: Approval of Meeting Summary

PINELLAS COUNTY BICYCLE PEDESTRIAN ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETING SUMMARY

MARCH 16, 2015 The following is a summary of the Pinellas County Metropolitan Planning Organization’s Bicycle Pedestrian Advisory Committee (BPAC) held on March 16, 2015 in the Pinellas County Planning Department Conference Room, First Floor, 310 Court Street, Clearwater, Florida. BPAC Members Present Brian Smith, Chairman At Large Citizen Representative Geri Raja, Vice Chair South County Citizens Representative Becky Afonso North County Citizen Representative, Oldsmar Lynn Bosco At Large Citizen Representative Megan Carmichael Department of Health - Pinellas Charlene Cobb Sunstar Paramedics Kimberly Cooper St. Petersburg Citizen Representative Lucas Cruse St. Petersburg Transportation Manager Robert Davis Pinellas County Public Works Win Dermody Clearwater Citizen Representative Deputy Noel Dunham, Jr. Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office Byron Hall Pinellas Park Citizen Representative Edward Z. Hawkes Dunedin Citizen Representative Chip Haynes Clearwater Citizen Representative Steve Lasky At Large Citizen Representative Felicia Leonard City of Clearwater Bicycle/Pedestrian Coordinator Charles Martin At Large Citizen Representative Ron Rasmussen Pinellas Park Citizen Representative Annette Sala At Large Citizen Representative Heather Sobush PSTA Michael Siebel At Large Citizen Representative Sarah Ward Interim MPO Executive Director Jim Wedlake Citizen Representative – Seminole Georgia Wildrick Largo Citizen Representative BPAC Members Absent Julie Bond CUTR Holly DeSha Largo Citizen Representative Alex English TBARTA Tom Ferraro North County Citizen Representative Lyle Fowler Pinellas County Parks & Conservation Resources (PCR) Paul Kurtz At Large Citizen Representative Chris Lauber St. Petersburg Citizen Representative Tom McGinty School System Representative Bert Valery Citizen Representative Beach Community Robert Yunk At Large Citizen Representative Others Present Joseph Callahan Citizen Mark Glendon Volunteer, Pinellas Trail Auxiliary Ranger Gina Harvey Public Works Lori Marable (via teleconference) FDOT Ray Raja Citizen Dan Swanson Citizen Bob Young Volunteer, Pinellas Trail Auxiliary Ranger Tom Washburn Public Works Al Bartolotta MPO Staff Robert Feigel MPO Staff Susan Miller MPO Staff Anne Funicello MPO Staff

BPAC MEETING MINUTES March 16, 2015

Page 2

1. CALL TO ORDER AND INTRODUCTIONS Chairman Smith, At Large Area Citizen Representative, called the meeting to order at 8:30 a.m. Introductions were provided by those in attendance.

2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – MARCH 16, 2015

After a few minor corrections, the summary was approved by the Committee. 3. MPO ACTIONS – March 11, 2015

Ms. Sarah Ward, MPO Interim Executive Director, reviewed the actions of interest from the March 11, 2015 meeting with the BPAC. She explained the MPO had selected a new director for the MPO-PPC, reviewed the BPAC recommendations to the MPO, noted the Surface Transportation Program (STP) funding proposal, and discussed the new legislation items that had been introduced in Tallahassee regarding safety and minimal landscaping.

4. PRESENTATIONS A. FDOT Bicycle/Pedestrian Focused Initiative & Complete Streets

Chairman Smith reviewed the Bicycle/Pedestrian Focused Initiative and Complete Streets presentation developed by Billy Hattaway, FDOT District 1 Secretary, FDOT. Pinellas County is one of the Top Ten Focus Counties in Florida, and District 7 (including Pinellas County) is included with the Top 15 High Priority Counties to reduce bicycle and pedestrian crashes and fatalities. Chairman Smith noted the graphic illustrating the pedestrian fatality risk associated with vehicular speeds: at 40-mph, the risk is nearly ten times higher than if the vehicle was traveling half that speed. The presentation also included information regarding Federal Highway’s (FHWA) proven countermeasures, road diets, context-based bicycle facilities, speed management, and complete streets components.

B. FDOT Roadway Design Bulletin 15-01, FDOT January 2015 At the request of FDOT, this item was deferred until a future BPAC meeting, at which time Stephen Benson will provide a

presentation to the Committee.

C. Policy on Use of Surface Transportation Program (STP) Funds Ms. Ward provided an explanation of the Surface Transportation Program (STP) policy and funding opportunities. She presented an overview of the current and anticipated STP revenue, how other projects may be impacted by allowing this funding source to be used for transit projects, and how other MPOs across the state are managing their STP funding allocations. After considerable discussion, the BPAC agreed to recommend that bicycle/pedestrian projects as well as transit projects be eligible for STP funding. This recommendation would be sent to the MPO.

D. Transportation Alternatives (TA) Program Prioritization Robert Feigel, MPO staff, presented information on the current Transportation Alternatives (TA) program and project priority lists. He distributed the timeline for TA project review, funding cycle, Safe Routes to School (SRTS), and regional projects.

E. Gulf Boulevard Crosswalks Chairman Smith introduced the next item, crosswalks on Gulf Boulevard. Ms. Ward explained that Pinellas County Public Works (PW) was currently monitoring the resurfacing project, and will conduct a pedestrian crossing study after the road construction is complete. Mr. Tom Washburn, PW Sr. Engineer, explained that the pedestrian crossing medians would be upgraded using safety funds from the FDOT in order to provide consistent crosswalk treatments along the Gulf Boulevard corridor. He noted PW would coordinate closely with the municipalities along the corridor. Mr. Robert Davis, PW, added that sharrows would be installed where pavement width is limited, such as near Sand Key in Clearwater.

BPAC MEETING MINUTES March 16, 2015

Page 3

5. PROJECT UPDATES The BPAC reviewed the project update chart, emphasizing the need for public education regarding the 3-Foot Law. The Committee also discussed the Bike Share Program.

6. NEW BUSINESS

Mr. Ed Hawkes, Dunedin Citizen Representative, asked for updated information regarding the Alternate U.S. 19 intersection at Curlew Road. Mr. Bob Young, Citizen, alerted the BPAC of safety concerns at a few of the intersections in Dunedin with the Pinellas Trail. Chairman Smith mentioned that a protected left turn signal phase or perhaps a leading pedestrian phase could reduce the conflicts with motor vehicles at those signalized locations. Ms. Lynn Bosco, At Large Citizen Representative, said that the Duke Energy Florida Trail crossing at Gulf-to-Bay Boulevard was problematic and challenging. Pinellas County Sheriff Deputy Dunham listed a few pedestrian safety recommendations, including lights at crosswalk edges, education for both pedestrians and motorists, and address sidewalk gaps at Walsingham Road, 102nd Avenue, and at Azalea Park.

7. OTHER BUSINESS

A. Bike Share Subcommittee Report Chairman Smith noted the Bike Share Subcommittee summary was attached to the agenda packet for the Committee’s information.

B. BPAC Bylaws

At its February meeting, the BPAC discussed amending its Bylaws, and a motion was made at that time to reallocate citizen representation, as well as updating department titles, and to add the city of Largo to the membership list. The reallocation involved moving the Pinellas Park/Mid-County member slot to provide better coverage for the Beach Communities. These amendments were approved by the BPAC at its March 16, 2015 meeting.

C. Membership

There is currently one citizen vacancy on the Committee for a mid-county representative. Vacancies for law enforcement representatives from four jurisdictions remain.

D. Agency Reports There were no comments regarding agency reports at the meeting.

E. Correspondence, Publications, Articles of Interest There were no additional comments regarding the correspondence, publications, or articles of interest that were provided in the agenda packet.

F. Other

Chairman Smith announced he would be traveling to Washington D.C. for the “Vision Zero” discussions. Jim Wedlake, At Large Citizen Representative, asked Ms. Lori Marable, FDOT, if more could be done to improve the safety of the expansion joints on the Memorial Causeway Bridge. Ms. Georgia Wildrick, Largo Area Citizen Representative, explained that the roadway design lacked sufficient bicycle facilities and that it was extremely dangerous. She indicated the there were no bicycle accommodations included when the Wal-Mart site was redeveloped (southwest corner of Rosery Road and Missouri Avenue). Staff agreed to look into this issue.

8. ADJOURNMENT

Chairman Smith adjourned the meeting at 10:50 a.m. The next meeting is scheduled for April 20, 2015. h:\users\cendocs\min\BPACmin 3-16-15.docx

BPAC: 4/20/15

BPAC – ITEM 3. MPO ACTIONS – APRIL 8, 2015 The April 8, 2015 Newsletter/Action Sheet will be provided at the meeting. A member of the MPO staff will review actions taken by the MPO at the March meeting. ATTACHMENTS: Newsletter/Action Sheet – April 8, 2015 ACTION: None required, informational item

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Pinellas County Metropolitan Planning Organization 310 Court Street, 2nd Floor, Clearwater, Florida 33756 ● (727)464-8200; Fax (727)464-8201

MPO

Newsletter/Action Sheet April 8, 2015

I. CALL TO ORDER

Chairman Kennedy called the meeting to order.

II. INVOCATION AND PLEDGE Commissioner Kennedy conducted the invocation and led the Pledge for the MPO.

III. CITIZENS TO BE HEARD There were no citizens who came forward to be heard.

IV. CONSENT AGENDA The MPO approved the consent agenda, which included the March 11, 2015 MPO meeting minutes; invoices from Tindale-Oliver and Associates, Laughlin and Associates, MPO share of copier with the Pinellas Planning Council, TBARTA invoices for CCC services, and the April risk allocation (included in member folders); and the appointment of Danny Gorman as a citizen representative on the Local Coordinating Board.

V. PUBLIC HEARING ITEM A. Proposed Amendments to the MPO’s Bike/Pedestrian Plan

Following a brief presentation by the MPO staff and public hearing, the MPO approved the amendments to its Bike/Pedestrian Plan by roll call vote. The amendments include: • Oldsmar

Addition of planned overpass at State Road 580 and St. Petersburg Drive; removal of a planned trail from Sheffield Park to Curlew Road; and removal of Forest Lakes Trail from the Pinellas/Hillsborough County Line to Pine Avenue.

• Pinellas County (Unincorporated) Addition of Joe’s Creek Trail from 34th Street to 54th Avenue North.

• St. Petersburg Addition of bike lanes on 9th Avenue North from 66th Street to 58th Street; addition of bike or shared use lanes on Central Avenue from 34th Street to Park Street; and addition of bike or shared use lanes on 22nd Avenue South from 37th Street to 49th Street.

VI. PRESENTATION AND/OR ACTION ITEMS

A. Review of Economic Development Symposium (Presentation) The MPO received a presentation from Mike Meidel, the Director of Pinellas County’s Economic Development Department.

B. Florida Transportation Plan/Strategic Intermodal System Update (Presentation) The MPO received a presentation from FDOT on the update of the Florida Transportation Plan and Strategic Intermodal System.

C. Express Bus/Tampa Bay Express (Presentation) Following a presentation by FDOT staff and Scott Pringle, FDOT/Hillsborough MPO consultant, regarding the Express Bus and Tampa Bay Express Studies, the MPO approved a motion to send a letter from the Chairman to FDOT requesting FDOT to reassess the traffic forecast for I-275 in St. Petersburg without the inclusion of the Greenlight Pinellas program. The board expressed strong support for express lanes to downtown St. Petersburg, noting that the Gateway area and downtown St. Petersburg are two of the County’s largest activity centers and there is need for congestion relief from both Gateway and downtown St. Petersburg to Hillsborough County. The current plans calls for the express lanes to end at Gateway. The board cited information about projected population growth and the difficulty economic development officials face in attracting corporate headquarters and other major employers to relocate to the area due to traffic congestion on the Interstate System.

MPO Newsletter/Action Sheet April 8, 2015 Page 2

D. Policy on Priority List of Transportation Projects for State and Federal Funding (Action) By consensus, the MPO tabled discussion on the priority list of transportation projects for state and federal funding until after the Board Workshop tentatively scheduled for September. By consensus, the MPO tabled the TCC recommendation to form a subcommittee until after the Board Workshop. The MPO directed its staff to provide further information regarding the potential impacts to road projects in the Five Year Work Program and the long range plan if the MPO were to allocate STP funds to multimodal projects (e.g. transit and bike/ped). The board expressed a desire to look at all the revenue sources available for transportation projects. The board also asked how long the various roadway projects have been on the priority list. Staff agreed to provide the requested information prior to the workshop.

E. Prioritization of Roadway Projects – Follow-Up MPO staff provided follow-up information regarding Gandy Boulevard and U.S. 19. In addition to crash rate data, the MPO directed staff to include the number of fatalities for those segments of Gandy Boulevard and U.S. 19 and to provide information about how long the projects have been on the priority list.

F. Transportation Alternatives Program Priority List (Review and Comment/Action) The MPO approved CAC Motion #15-1 to establish a reasonable deadline for completion of the TA project applications.

G. Citizens Advisory Committee Recommendation (Action) The MPO approved CAC Motion #15-2 that the MPO send a letter to the Legislature in support of revenues for trails as part of Constitutional Amendment 1 and support of funding for multi-modal projects under the Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century legislation reauthorization.

VII. REPORTS/UPDATES A. Legislative Report

A legislative report was provided in the agenda packet. B. PSTA Activities Report

Mayor Bujalski provided a brief report on PSTA activities and asked the PSTA CEO to email a one-page summary to the MPO members.

C. Director’s Report The MPO Executive Director provided a report on the recent MPOAC meeting in Tallahassee and the meetings with Senator Latvala and Senator Lee’s aide regarding the regional priorities. It was announced that Jeff Kramer was hired as the new MPOAC Executive Director upon the retirement of Howard Glassman at the end of May. It was announced that the next round of TIGER grant applications were being accepted and that the County’s lobbyist is arranging a trip to Washington DC with the County and MPO to discuss the Duke Energy Trail completion. The MPO staff is working with Commissioner Kennedy to identify resources for the beach communities. The MPO appointed Councilmember Darden Rice to the Pinellas Trail Security Task Force. A North County appointment for the Pinellas Trail Security Task Force will occur at the May MPO meeting.

VIII. INFORMATIONAL ITEMS A. Committee Vacancies

There are vacancies on the Citizens Advisory and Bicycle Pedestrian Advisory Committees. B. Correspondence C. Other

The MPO asked that staff obtain copies of traffic count maps or other traffic data from both the Hillsborough and Pasco MPOs.

h:\users\cendocs\mpo\ newsletter\2015\newsletter 2015-04 April 8, 2015.ck

BPAC: 4/20/15

BPAC – ITEM 4.

SAN MARTIN BOULEVARD BRIDGE REPLACEMENT

Pinellas County has engaged HDR, Inc. to provide professional services in the development of a Project Development and Environment (PD&E) study for the replacement of the San Martin Bridge over Riviera Bay. The study will address the bridge deficiencies and evaluate feasible alternatives for its replacement. A separate component will evaluate trail enhancements from Macoma Drive to Gandy Boulevard. A representative from HDR, Inc. will give an overview of the project and solicit feedback from the committee members ATTACHMENT: San Martin Bridge over Riviera Bay Bridge Summary Sheet San Martin Bridge over Riviera Bay Bridge Location Map ACTION: Review and Comment

San Martin Blvd over Riviera Bay Bridge Roadway and Trail Improvements

Project Development and Environment Study Summary

Project Status:

• Pinellas County has engaged HDR, Inc. (Consultant) to provide professional services in the development of a Project Development and Environment (PD&E) study for the replacement of the San Martin Bridge over Riviera Bay.

• What is a PD & E Study? A Project Development and Environment (PD&E) study is an environmental and engineering process that was developed by the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) in order to determine social, economic, natural and physical environmental impacts associated with a proposed transportation improvement project. A PD&E Study is necessary to obtain construction funding from the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA).

Project Schedule:

• PD&E study process is expected to be complete 12 months from the Notice to Proceed (NTP). • Design is expected to be complete 18 months from NTP • Construction is expected to take 24 months to complete • Anticipated schedule for design (FY16/FY17) and construction phases (FY18/FY19) may be

impacted by results of PD&E study (FY16), success of grant acquisition efforts and availability of funds.

Project Scope:

• Address the bridge deficiencies and evaluate feasible alternatives for its replacement. • Document the benefits, costs and the environmental, economic and social impacts of each

alternative evaluated. • As a separate component of the project, evaluate trail enhancements from Macoma Dr. to

Gandy Blvd. that are consistent with the City of St. Petersburg Trails Program, Pinellas County’s Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan and the Metropolitan Planning Organization’s North Bay Trail/Rio Vista Trail Connection priority in the Long Range Transportation Plan (LRTP).

• A 10’-12’ dedicated multi-use trail and a 6’ wide sidewalk are currently being considered.

Public Input:

• Projects with federal funding must comply with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) which requires public involvement depending on the Class of Action (COA) determination made by FHWA.

• Pinellas County is committed to meet or exceed the requirements of NEPA by proactively engaging with residents and stakeholders in a neighborhood “Town Hall” meeting where the feasible alternatives will be presented and discussed and input solicited from the various groups affected by the project.

Project Cost Estimates:

• The total cost for the study, design and construction of the bridge, roadway and trail components is estimated to be $9,800,000.00

BPAC: 4/20/15

BPAC – ITEM 5.

TRANSPORTATION ALTERNATIVES PROGRAM – PROJECT RANKING CRITERIA AND COMPLETION OF CURRENT APPLICATIONS As discussed at the March advisory committee meetings, MPO staff from Pinellas, Pasco and Hillsborough Counties worked together in 2014 to develop a list of priority Transportation Alternative (TA) Program projects for the three-county Transportation Management Area (TMA). These projects were drawn from the local MPO priority lists based on available funding. As the TMA-TA list was being compiled in 2014, it was understood that regional criteria would be developed this year and utilized to prepare the next TMA-TA priority list. However, it was later agreed that the MPOs would utilize their respective local project selection and prioritization processes to determine which projects would be included on the TMA-TA priority list. This ensures that the TMA-TA list will reflect the priorities of the individual MPOs, as well as those of the region. Regarding the existing Pinellas County TA list, there are three projects ranked number 33. Applications for these projects were submitted in 2014. These projects include the Courtney Campbell Trail overpass in Clearwater, the Pinellas Bayway Trail Segment in Tierra Verde and Gulfport’s Multi-Use Trail system. Unlike the projects submitted in prior years, they were not ranked. This was due to the understanding that the aforementioned regional criteria would be established and applied to these projects. In addition, the TA project ranking criteria most recently used by the MPO advisory committees was applied in 2010 and needs to be reviewed to determine whether any modifications are necessary. Lastly, as was also noted at the March meeting, the applications for several of the projects on the current TA priority list still require additional documentation to be submitted to FDOT before they can be completed. To address these issues, the Technical Coordinating Committee (TCC) formed a TA Program Subcommittee at their March meeting to complete the following tasks:

• Establish a deadline for completion of outstanding TA applications; • Review the 2010 TA project application ranking criteria and recommend any modifications for use with the

2014 and subsequent projects, as deemed necessary, and • Rank the three 2014 projects based on the agreed upon criteria.

The TA Program Subcommittee convened on April 6. Their recommendations, along with a summary of the meeting, are attached. The subcommittee recommendations will be reviewed by the MPO advisory committees in April and presented to the MPO in May as indicated in the attached TA Program 2015/16 Timeline. The annual MPO adoption of the project priority lists for the Surface Transportation Program (STP) as well as the TA Program will occur in June. They will subsequently be transmitted to FDOT to develop their five-year work program for the next fiscal year. ATTACHMENTS: TA Program 2015/16 Timeline

Transportation Alternatives (TA) Program Subcommittee Meeting Summary and Recommendations

ACTION: Approve TA Program Subcommittee recommendations

Transportation Alternatives (TA) Program Timeline for 2015/2016

Actions Date/Date Range 1) TCC reviewed a proposed May 29, 2015 deadline for incomplete TA

applications. TCC formed subcommittee to addressed deadline, recommend updated ranking and scoring criteria and recommend priority order of the three unranked 2014 projects*

March 25, 2015

2) TCC subcommittee met April 06, 2015

3) MPO advisory committees review the TCC subcommittee recommendations April 2015

4) MPO reviews review the TCC subcommittee recommendations May 13, 2015 5) MPO advisory committees review/approve Surface Transportation Program

(STP) and TMA-TA priority lists as well as updated Pinellas County TA priority list

May 2015

6) Tampa Bay Transportation Management Area (TMA) Leadership Group Review of TMA-TA Priority List

June 05, 2015

7) MPO reviews/approves recommended STP, Pinellas County TA and TMA-TA priority lists

June 10, 2015

8) Transmit adopted priority lists to FDOT (deadline for transmittal moved from October 1 to August 1)

June 2015

9) MPO authorizes acceptance of new applications for Pinellas County TA Priority List

September 2015

10) Anticipated deadline for submittal of new TA applications February 28, 2016 11) 2015 TA applicants present projects to MPO advisory committees.

Committees review, score and rank new TA projects and recommend updated Pinellas County priority list to MPO

March – April 2016

12) MPO reviews/approves updated priority list April – May 2016

13) FDOT makes eligibility/feasibility determinations of new TA applications May – June 2016 14) MPO advisory committees review/approve STP and TMA-TA priority lists as

well as updated Pinellas County TA priority list August 2016

15) Tampa Bay Transportation Management Area (TMA) Leadership Group Review of TMA-TA Priority List

September 2016

16) MPO reviews/approves recommended STP, Pinellas County TA and TMA-TA priority lists

September 2016

17) Transmit adopted priority lists to FDOT September 2016 * Three new TA projects added to the priority list in 2014 were added to the bottom of the list unranked, because it was expected at that time that TMA-TA criteria would subsequently be developed and that projects from Pinellas, Pasco and Hillsborough counties would all be ranked according to the new TMA criteria. Regional ranking and scoring criteria were not developed, however, because the consensus was to use existing local TA Program priority lists in the development of the regional TMA-TA priority list as already ranked by each county. The criteria last used to rank Pinellas County’s TA projects is nearly five years old. Therefore, given that the regional ranking criteria was not developed as anticipated, ranking and scoring criteria for the three 2014 and subsequent TA projects need to be updated and approved by the MPO.

BPAC: 4/20/15

Transportation Alternatives (TA) Program Subcommittee April 6, 2015 Meeting Summary and Recommendations

At their March 25, 2015 meeting, the Technical Coordinating Committee (TCC) discussed the Pinellas County Transportation Alternatives (TA) Program list of priority projects and associated issues regarding the status of the current project applications and the ranking of those submitted in 2014. To review these issues in more detail, the TCC formed the TA Program Subcommittee to complete the following tasks:

• Establish a deadline for completion of current TA applications requiring submittal of additional documentation to FDOT;

• Review the 2010 TA project application ranking criteria and recommend any modifications for use with the evaluation and ranking of 2014 and subsequent projects, as deemed necessary, and

• Rank the three projects listed as number 33 on the current priority list based on the agreed upon criteria. These project applications were submitted in 2014. The projects include the Courtney Campbell Trail overpass in Clearwater, the Pinellas Bayway Trail Segment in Tierra Verde and Gulfport’s Multi-Use Trail system.

The subcommittee convened on April 6, 2015 at the Pinellas County Planning Department Conference Room. Subcommittee members included one representative of the Citizen’s Advisory Committee (CAC) and TCC members representing the cities of Clearwater, St. Petersburg, Pinellas Park, Treasure Island, Dunedin, Pinellas County and the Pinellas Planning Council. Application Deadline A May 31, 2015 deadline for completing outstanding project applications was suggested by MPO staff at the March 25 TCC meeting. The subcommittee accepted this deadline with the understanding that project applications not meeting the deadline would remain on the priority list as long as the sponsoring jurisdictions were continuing to work with FDOT in good faith to complete the applications. The subcommittee recommended that projects falling into this category be labeled on the priority list as being “in progress.” According to FDOT staff, the delay in completing the applications has been largely due to FDOT requirements for documentation verifying right-of-way ownership and/or public involvement in the development of the project plans. Ranking Criteria Regarding the ranking criteria, MPO staff provided the subcommittee with information on the criteria and scoring system used in 2010 as well as related background material. The projects reviewed in 2010 were scored within a range of 0 to 4 points for each of the categories described below.

Community Benefit: Will the proposed project improve/enhance the neighborhood and/or community's quality of life (e.g. enhances or demonstrates the potential to produce positive impact on the neighborhood's vitality and/or economy, improves safety, scenic resources [beautification, education] within neighborhood, etc.)? Countywide Benefit: Will the proposed project provide County-wide benefit beyond those enjoyed within the community (e.g. enhances or demonstrates opportunity to enhance County's overall economic vitality; project will benefit and/or be accessible to citizens and visitors on a Countywide basis)? Connectivity Value: Will the proposed project provide an opportunity to improve/enhance intermodal connection (e.g. promotes or enhances access to public transit service, facilities/amenities, pedestrian ways, bikeways and waterways within and through adjoining jurisdictions)?

BPAC: 4/20/15

Conforms with the Long Range Transportation Plan (LRTP): Does the proposed project conform with the MPO's LRTP which aims to create an intermodal transportation network that preserves the existing transportation infrastructure, enhances the region's economic competitiveness and improves travel choices to ensure connectivity and mobility? The LRTP considers all principal modes of transportation as an integrated system including highways, public transportation, bikeways, pedestrian facilities, and primary activity centers or intermodal hubs that connect these modes? Local Commitment: Does the proposed project show funding/other commitment, and/or community support (e.g. local matching share of project cost; known public support; history of sponsor's ability to follow through/carry out agreed role during project implementation/completion, etc.)?

The subcommittee recommended that the same criteria be used going forward for project applications received in 2014 and later with some exceptions. These included changing the range of points allotted for each criterion from 0-4 to 0-5 and the description of the “Local Commitment” category to “Matching Funds and/or Community Support.” The subcommittee also recommended that “and the Countywide Plan” be appended to the title of the “Conforms with the Long Range Transportation Plan (LRTP)” category. Ranking of 2014 and Subsequent Applications The subcommittee recommended postponing the ranking of the 2014 projects until the next group of TA applications are submitted and reviewed by the advisory committees. This would allow for the 2014 projects and the new projects to be ranked at the same time. The subcommittee also recommended that the 2014 projects be listed ahead of any project applications received in 2015 or later on the priority list. Lastly, related to the acceptance of new projects, the subcommittee expressed concern about the MPO allowing projects on the adopted priority list to be substituted as they were in 2014. The subcommittee felt this was unfair to the jurisdictions with projects that were ranked below those for which substitutions were permitted. Recommendations

1. Approve May 31, 2015 deadline for completing outstanding project applications. If the deadline is not met and the applicant is continuing to work with FDOT to complete the application, the project will remain on the list with a note that completion of the application is “in progress.” If the application is not completed or in progress, the associated project will be removed from the priority list.

2. Continue to use the 2010 ranking criteria and scoring system with the following exceptions: a. Change the range of points allotted for each category from 0-4 to 0-5; b. Change the description of the “Local Commitment” category to “Matching Funds and/or Community

Support”; c. Change description of “Consistency with LRTP” category to “Consistency with Long Range

Transportation Plan (LRTP) and Countywide Plan”.

3. Rank the 2014 projects at the same time the next group of project applications are reviewed by the advisory committees pending approval by the MPO to accept new applications in September, 2015. The 2014 projects will be ranked higher than any new projects accepted in 2015 or later.

4. Do not allow substitutions of TA projects in the future as were approved by the MPO in 2014.

BPAC: 4/20/15

BPAC – ITEM 6. PROJECT UPDATES The BPAC is tasked with reviewing and advising the MPO on bicycle and pedestrian-related system development, and related issues and priorities. The Committee also may assist communities with development of bikeway and pedestrian facilities, recommend safer bicycling and walking provisions, and promote a safer roadway environment. In an attempt to organize planning, design or construction projects, and track projects or items of interest to the BPAC, staff has prepared a general list of BPAC Updates for 2015. The attached update list is divided into three (3) main topics: Bicycle Pedestrian Facilities, Roadway Projects, and Educational and Other Projects. ATTACHMENT: April BPAC 2015 Updates List ACTION: As deemed appropriate based on discussion

BICYCLE PEDESTRIAN ADVISORY COMMITTEE

BPAC 2015 Updates

Bicycle Pedestrian Facilities Identified Issue / Project Status

Duke Energy Florida Trail (Progress Energy Trail) Duke Energy Agreement approved by BCC Approval December 16, 2014

Tri-County Trail Connector/Coast-to-Coast TrailFDOT Consultant Selected for Design-Build for Pinellas Coast-to-Coast Trail

Segment

Elfers Spur Trail Erosion Repair Project MPO approved Nov 2014 BPAC recommendation for prioritized funding

Pinellas Bayway SR 679 Trail/SidewalkCity and FDOT Design/Construction Plans for Trail & Sidewalk Network

Connections

Alt U.S. 19/Dunedin Causeway/Pinellas Trail Blank-Out Signal installed late March 2015

(East-to-Southbound Turns)

16th Street Bicycle Lane Surface Requested Pavement Repair/Refurbish

Clearwater's Bayshore Trail Extension to Courtney

Campbell Trail

City researching funding to construct connection from Bayshore Trail to

Courtney Campbell Trail; TA application for trail overpass

Enterprise Road Pavement Preservation Project Pavement surface only, no ROW or expansion of roadway

Skinner Boulevard-Pinellas Trail Crossing RRFB at mid-block Trail crossing; multiple-threat crashes

Roadway Projects

Gulf Boulevard Pedestrian Crossings FDOT sections - Mid-Block Pedestrian Crossings to have RRFBs;

Request County Section Design/Installations Be Consistent

Gulf Boulevard Bicycle Lanes MPO Approved Shorter Delineator Sept 2014;

FDOT D7 will update installations

Belcher/Gulf-to-Bay Intersection RSA July 8, 2014 Final Report Approved

Staff will track recommendations

Curlew Road BPAC Request Bicycle Lanes be Installed East of U.S. Highway 19

Adequate Lighting of Trail/Roadway Crossings BPAC Request Lighting to Increase Visibility of Bikes/Peds at Crosswalks

102nd Avenue BPAC Request Safe Accommodations for Pinellas Trail Crossing

Drew Street Bicycle Lanes BPAC Request to Designate Entire Corridor for Network Continuity

Rosery Road at Missouri Avenue Bicycle Safety Bicycle Design & Safe Accommodations for Rosery Rd at Missouri Ave

Highland Avenue (Largo) BPAC Request Bicycle Lanes, Crosswalks & Sidewalk Network Connections

& pedestrian crossing device at Rosery Rd

Starkey Road BPAC Request Bicycle Lanes, Crosswalks & Sidewalk Network Connections

Ulmerton Road Road Construction Project by Phase Will Include Sidewalks & Bicycle Lanes

U.S. Highway 19 Transit Crossings U.S. Hwy 19 Construction Project w/Interchanges, Frontage roads;

Safe Transit and Pedestrian Crossing Accommodations Educational & Other Projects

RRFB (Rapid Rectangular Flashing Beacon) DevelopGeneral Public Educational Materials for Pinellas County

Bumper Stickers / Public Education Educational Materials for all Vulnerable Road Users (VRUs); 3-FT Rule,

Yield/Stop for Peds, etc.

Vulnerable Road User Crash Data Letter sent to FL DHSMV to Change Legislative Crash Regulations with FDOT

HQ Support; DHSMV agreed to capture data

Pinellas Trail User Survey 2014 Trail Users Survey Report due June 2015

911 Emergency Decals for Pinellas Trail New 911-decals installed by Parks Conservation Resources (PCR)

St. Petersburg Trail Security Camera Project City Project underway for security system along Pinellas Trail from 34th

Street to 49th Street South.

Bike Share Program & SubcommitteeBPAC Bike Share Subcommittee (est. Feb '15) met March 5th to explore

feasibility of program in Pinellas County

* Attachment + Presentation Item

2015 BPAC Updates 4/13/2015

BPAC: 4/20/15

BPAC – ITEM 7. NEW BUSINESS This item is to provide the BPAC members the opportunity to request new items to be considered for future agendas. ATTACHMENTS: None ACTION: As deemed appropriate based on discussion

BPAC: 4/20/15

BPAC – ITEM 8. A. – F. OTHER BUSINESS A. Access to Transit Study

As part of the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) Access to Transit Study, Tindale Oliver and Associates is evaluating various bus stop locations in the Tampa Bay area to identify access improvements for bicyclists and pedestrians. The TCC received a presentation on the Access to Transit Study at their March, 2014 meeting. Below is a list of Pinellas County bus stop locations included in the study. FDOT is requesting that individuals who walk, bicycle or ride transit near any of the study locations share their experiences and/or observations by completing an online survey at http://www.tampabaytrafficsafety.com/D7BPAT/SitePages/pubMap.aspx.

Access to Transit Study – Pinellas County Locations

• Park Boulevard at 66th Street • Park Boulevard at 49th Street • East Bay Drive at Starkey Road/Keene Road • East Bay Drive at Belcher Road • 66th Street at 54th Avenue North • 66th Street at 38th Avenue North • Central Avenue at Pasadena Avenue • 34th Street from 38th Avenue North to 62nd Avenue North • Main Street/SR 580 at CR 1/Keene Road • Missouri Avenue at Druid Road • Seminole Boulevard at 102nd Avenue North • Ulmerton Road at 49th Street ATTACHMENTS: None ACTION: None required, informational item

B. U.S. 19 Corridor Study Update

Staff will provide a status report on the US 19 Corridor Study. ATTACHMENTS: None ACTION: None required, informational item

C. Agency Reports

For those members in attendance who are involved with various related agency meetings and activities, this item gives them an opportunity to provide updates that may be of interest to the Committee members.

ATTACHMENTS: None ACTION: None required, informational item

Continued

BPAC: 4/20/15

BPAC – ITEM 8. A. – F. (Continued)

OTHER BUSINESS D Membership

Currently, there is one opening on the BPAC for a Pinellas Park/Mid County representative. Vacancies for Law Enforcement representatives from Clearwater, St. Petersburg, Largo and Pinellas Park remain open. ATTACHMENTS: BPAC Membership List – April 2015 ACTION: None required, informational item

E. Correspondence, Publications, Articles of Interest

“Sheriff Enforcing Pedestrian Safety Laws,” tbnweekly.com, March 16, 2015 “Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP), Florida DEP, 2015 “Outdoor Recreation & Trails, Florida DEP, January 2015

F. Other

If any member has other business to discuss, they may address it under this item.

April, 2015

BICYCLE PEDESTRIAN ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEMBERSHIP LIST

Voting St. Petersburg Area (St. Pete/Gulfport/So Pasadena/Tierra Verde)

1. Chris Lauber (07/09/08) 2. Kimberly Cooper (10/13/99) 3. Geri Raja (VC) (09/09/09)

Clearwater Area 4. Chip Haynes (04/13/11) 5. Robert Yunk (02/09/05) 6. Win Dermody (03/12/14)

Dunedin Area 7. Ed Hawkes (11/18/98)

Pinellas Park and Mid-County 8. Ronald Rasmussen (12/13/06) 9. Byron Virgil Hall, Jr., (12/13/06) 10. -----VACANT----- ( / / )

Largo Area 11. Holly DeSha (01/14/15) 12. Georgia Wildrick (08/16/06)

North County Area (Tarpon Springs/Palm Harbor/Ozona/Oldsmar/Safety Harbor) 13. Tom Ferraro (04/09/03) 14. Becky Afonso (10/08/14)

At Large Area 15. Paul Kurtz (12/11/13) 16. Mike Siebel (03/14/12) 17. Brian Smith (Chairman) (12/12/12) 18. Lynn Bosco (11/14/12) 19. Steve Lasky (11/14/12) 20. Charles Martin (04/08/09) 21. Annette Sala (03/12/14)

Seminole Area 22. Jim Wedlake (05/12/10)

Beach Communities 23. Bert Valery (10/1983-10/1998) (reappointed 07/10/02)

Technical Support 1. County Public Works (Robert Davis) 2. County Parks and Conservation Resources (Lyle Fowler – primary, Kathy Swain –

alternate) 3. PSTA Chris Cochran (Chris Cochran – primary; Heather Sobush– alternate) 4. City of Clearwater (Felicia Leonard) 5. City of St. Petersburg (Lucas Cruse as representative and Cheryl Stacks as alternate) 6. Pinellas County School System (Tom McGinty) 7. TBARTA (Alex English – primary) 8. Pinellas County Health Department (Megan Carmichael) 9. CUTR (Julie Bond) 10. Sunstar Paramedics (Charlene Cobb, Community Outreach Coordinator) Sheriff's Office /Police/Law Enforcement Representatives 1. Pinellas Park 2. St Petersburg Police Dept. 3. Largo Police Dept. 4. Sheriff’s Office (Noel Dunham) 5. Clearwater Police Dept. Non-Voting Technical Support

Lori Marable (FDOT)

SHERIFF ENFORCING PEDESTRIAN SAFETY LAWS

by TBN staff

March 16, 2015

LARGO – On March 15, Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office patrol deputies transitioned the focus of

the FDOT High Visibility Enforcement Grant for bicycle and pedestrian safety from an education

and warnings discretion, to a citations discretion.

This is Phase II of a project to educate and enforce safe pedestrian, bicyclist and driver behavior in

designated hot spot areas in an effort to reduce traffic crashes and fatalities involving pedestrians

and bicyclists.

The sheriff’s office received a $47,155 grant from FDOT to implement this project.

Phase I began Dec. 19, 2014.

Details are being conducted at 15 locations across Pinellas County and include distribution of

educational materials, as well as the issuance of warnings and/or citations to pedestrians, bicyclists,

and motorists in accordance with Florida Statutes.

Details are planned on Tampa Road, Alderman Road, U.S. 19, Curlew Road, State Road 580,

Ulmerton Road, 49th Street, 66th Street, 54th Avenue, Park Boulevard, Pasadena Avenue and four

locations on Gulf Boulevard.

During Phase 1, the education and warning phase, deputies issues 285 pedestrian warnings, one

pedestrian citation, 128 motorist warnings, eight motorist citations and 57 bicyclists warnings. The

final detail is scheduled on May 26.

© Tampa Bay Newspapers:

All rights reserved.

www.tbnweekly.com/pinellas_county/content_articles/031615_pco-01.txt

OUTDOOR RECREATION IN FLORIDAFlorida’s Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan

SCORP

WHAT IS SCORP?

Simply put, the Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP) is Florida’s blueprint for outdoor recreation. It provides guidance to communities, businesses and organizations to meet the recreation demands of Florida’s diverse and growing population.

TOP PRIORITIES

Promoting health benefits

Improving public access

Promoting economic benefits and funding recreation programs

Reconnecting people to the outdoors

FLORIDA’S TOP OUTDOOR RECREATION ACTIVITIES

Residents Tourists

Saltwater Beach Activities 63% 49%

Wildlife Viewing 49% 47%

Fishing 46% 22%

Bicycling 44% 14%

Picnicking 40% 37%

Visiting Historic Sites 39% 26%

Swimming(Outdoor Pools) 29% 29%

SCORP encompasses jobs and tourism, health and fitness, wildlife and conservation, quality of life and sustainability.

Florida’s Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan

SCORPFLORIDA HAS MORE THAN 450 MUNICIPAL AND COUNTY RECREATION DEPARTMENTS AND

PROGRAMS. SCORP HELPS THESE COMMUNITIES BALANCE RECREATION SUPPLY AND DEMAND.

14Million

Nearly 14 million acres available for recreation

20Million

Third largest state in population

97Million

Annual visitation exceeds 97 million

DID YOU KNOW?

MORE THAN 70% OF FLORIDA’S VISITORS include nature-based activities in their travel

98% OF FLORIDA VISITORS say that outdoor recreation is important to their tourist experience

OUTDOOR RECREATION ECONOMIC IMPACT

CONSUMER SPENDING: $38.3 BILLION

STATE & LOCAL TAXES:$2.5 BILLION

WAGES:$10.7 BILLION

JOBS:330,000

98%

SCORP helped Florida’s local governments receive $16 million since 2004, creating or improving 80+ parks.

OUTDOOR RECREATION INVENTORY

SCORP inventoriesFlorida’s recreationsupply, from baseballfields to national parks.Check out the interactive map for a recreation site near you at: www.dep.state.fl.us/parks/outdoor/recinventory.htm

Visit www.dep.state.fl.us/parks/outdoor/scorp.htm to learn more about Florida’s outdoor recreation planning

State of Florida, Department of Environmental Protection, Division of Recreation and ParksOffice of Park Planning • Tallahassee, Florida • 850-245-3051

>70%

Tallahassee

Panama City

Pensacola

Lake City

Jacksonville

Ocala

St. Augustine

Orlando

Daytona Beach

Tampa

Fort Myers

Naples

WestPalmBeach

Fort Lauderdale

Miami

Florida City

Key West

105

143

95

56 54

85

34

62

5

162

5

1 2

4

6

8

79 10 11

13

1415

16

18

19

20

21 22 24

2526

27

28

29 30 31

3233

3537

36

38

3940

41

60 5961

6364

69

6667

68

55

71Gainesville

72

73747577

787980

81

8384

8687

88 89

9091

9293

94

96

97

98 99

82

7670

65

57

58

42 43

44

4749

5051

4817

23

12

3

100101

102103

104

106107

108109

110111

112113

114115

116117

118

119

120

121

122123124125

126 127

128 129

130

131

132133

134

144

145146147

148152 153

149150

151 155156

157

158

159160

161

163164165166

168167

169170171

154

135

136137

139140

138141

142

46

45

5253

OUTDOOR RECREATION & TRAILS!Connecting the dots between Trails & tourism

The Big Picture

Outdoor Industries Association, 2012. The Florida Outdoor Recreation Economy Report

Recreation has long served as an economic driver in Florida, as the state remains a major destination for national and international tourism.

With more than 1,600 miles of multi-use trails, Florida State Parks receive over 27 million visitors annually, creating 29,396 jobs.

Honeymoon Island State Park had the greatest local economic impact totaling $85.9 million.

“The West Orange, Little Econ, and Cady Way trails in Orange County supported 516 jobs and an estimated economic impact of $42.6 million in 2010.“East Central Florida Regional Planning Council (2011)

OUTDOOR RECREATIONGENERATES BIG ECONOMIC IMPACTS

FOR FLORIDA

FLORIDA STATE PARK VISITATION GENERATES NEARLY $2.1 BILLION ON LOCAL ECONOMIES

>

>>

>

$38.3 Billion In Consumer SpendingNearly 330,000 Jobs$2.5 Billion In State & Local Taxes$10.7 Billion In Wages

> Every $1 million spent on trails yields 9.6 jobs (University of Massachusetts, 2011)

> Every $1 spent on biking trails and walking paths could save approximately $3 in medical expenses (American Heart Association)

Trail Facts

2ibid

Map of 171 Florida’s state parks & trails

= DIRECT LOCAL

IMPACT~$86,0002x 1,000

VISITORS

Ho

neymoon Island

Updated 01/2015

PADDLING

A 2011 study by the University of Cincinnati found that homes within 1000 ft. access to the Little Miami Scenic Trail increased in value by $9K. The scenic, multipurpose trail beckons walkers, hikers, skaters and bicycle enthusiasts and also has horseback riding paths.

The 2011 Outdoor Recreation Participation study highlights the tight link between recreation and tourism in Florida, determining:

of Florida’s tourists believe that outdoor recreation is important to them.

of tourists are satisfied with outdoor recreation opportunities in the state.

of all Florida visitors participate in nature-based activities during their visit (Visit Florida, 2012).

98% 97% 75%(nearly)

Trails add value to new homes and consistently remain the number one community amenity sought by prospective homeowners (National Association of Homebuilders, 2008).

>

WHAT ARE FLORIDA VISITORS & RESIDENTS DOING OUTDOORS?

Trails boost fitness and well-being, a connection with the outdoors and economic growth. Visit www.dep.state.fl.us/gwt/ to find trail near you.

VIEWING WILDLIFE

The second most popular outdoor activity for both residents and visitors (SCORP 2011) and brings in almost $5 billion annually to the state’s economy.

According to the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, the equestrian industry’s economic impact on the gross state product is $6.5

billion. Florida’s State Parks offer 1,889 miles of equestrian trails.

According to the 2013 SCORP, nearly 25 million residents and tourists participate in bicycling in Florida annually. More than 18.4 million on

paved trails and nearly 6.5 million on unpaved trails. Biking paths are the second most desired facility for Florida residents.

During a year of average river flows, annual park attendance at Suwannee River State Park is usually more than 700,000 with direct economic impact

more than $30 million, according to the Florida Park Service.

Florida’s rich diversity of wildlife attracts millions of visitors to public lands such as Florida’s 171 State Parks, of which 96 are included as sites on the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Viewing Trail.

EQUESTRIAN ACTIVITIES

BIKING

+$$

Trail Facts