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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes Island Strategic Action Committee - 09/05/2017 Schlitterbahn Waterpark 14353 Commodores Drive Corpus Christi,TX 78418 Island Strategic Action Committee Regular Meeting Agenda Meeting Minutes Tuesday,September 5, 2017 5:30 PM ISAC Committee Agenda I. CALL TO ORDER, ROLL CALL Chairperson Libby Edwards called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m. Assistant City Manager Keith Selman called roll. Present Members (11) Libby Edwards, William F. Goldston, Stan Hulse, Kathleen Pratt, Rick Sowash, Jodi Steen, Brud Jones, David Perry, Carter Tate, Cheri Sperling, and Charles Knoll Present Ex-Officios (2) Jay Gardner and Keith Selman Absent Members (3) Alex Harris, Aaron Huffman, and Kendra Kinnison Absent Ex-Officios (5) Bryan Gulley, Dotson Lewis, Paulette Kluge, Keith McMullin, and Dan McGinn Present City Staff(1) E. Jay Ellington II. APPROVAL OF MINUTES FROM AUGUST 7, 2017 Motion to approve was seconded and unanimously accepted. III. CONSIDERATION OF REQUEST FOR EXCUSED ABSENCES Absent: Stan Hulse, Rick Sowash, David Perry and Kendra Kinnison were absent August 7, 2017. Action: Motion to excuse absences for the above referenced committee members was seconded and unanimously accepted. IV. PUBLIC COMMENT: Brent Moore with Padre Isles Property Ownership Association gave an update on the clean- up of floating debris in the canals. They have 2 contractors cleaning up. Also, an update was given on contracts for underwater surveyors that can map the channel's bottom for significant debris. Maps should be generated quickly, so contractors can come out and remove the debris. Sea Tow has removed several sunken ships/vessels. Last update was the transition with the executive coordinator. Job offer was accepted, so there should be a window of overlap before handing over the reins. Carter Tate asked about the latest on the Primavera repairs. Brent Moore commented that the notice to proceed has been given and the contractor has ten (10)days to proceed. Hearing no objection, the Chairman waived the order of the meeting and moved up to item X. X. UPDATES Libby Edwards began the meeting by informing the committee that a Benefit for those affected by hurricane Harvey was a success, and that$2000 was raised for Port Aransas. Ms. Edwards also reported to the ISAC committee that the TIRZ 2 Board, the Corporation, and City Council all voted consistent with the ISAC committee's unanimous motion/recommendation to discontinue use of the patrol boat and to save that money for future projects. Keith Selman stated that there were no updates on the major activities discussed during ISAC's August meeting. The committee had received positive updates from the director of Parks & Recreation, and nothing had changed. Mr. Selman added; however, that the cable company had been contacted and we were in que for further contact by the cable company. Carter Tate asked if the request was made to move the cable line to the other side orjust clean it. Mr. Selman stated that both requests would be made. It was also added that lifting the cable line higher might be another possible recommendation, but that further information would be given to the committee as further contact was made with the cable company to find the best solution. Comment was made about Mobi-mats being approved by the TIRZ committee in March but still in research stage and haven't issued a PO yet? Mr. Ellington responded that there was no report. Hearing no objection, the Chairman waived the order of the meeting and moved down to item Vll. VII. POST HURRICANE UPDATE Jay Ellington, Director of Parks & Recreation, informed the ISAC committee that the beaches were back in full operation for the fall. The Beach Operations Headquarters had damages to 3 different storage buildings, and equipment, but working on getting them back to full operation. Pledged the City and ISAC committee to be up in full operation by Spring Break. The committee was updated on damages to the Packery Channel. Photos of the damages were passed around forthe members to see. Damages are to the walls of the channel; the Southside lost a sidewalk, so area is blocked off; and, at least a dozen locations along the side of the channel had failure, but are beginning some engineering pre-work and will keep the committee informed as the project moves forward. The committee was also informed about a Beach Operations doublewide modular unit,which has been in place for about 20 years, and under deplorable conditions, will be replaced in the next 90 to 120 days. Funds available from savings in the budget. Carter Tate asked if there was anybody who had history of repairing the walls out on the Packery, or any clue to what kind of exposure there is or any kind of costs of repairs. Jay Ellington stated that it was currently unknown, but would guesstimate the cost to be a couple million dollars of work, but that was only his guestimate. Kathleen Pratt asked if the funds to repair the channel were coming from the TIRZ funds and Mr. Ellington responded that it had not yet been determined. VIII. ACCESS ROAD 3A PRESENTATION Keith Selman addressed the committee in response to their request for a presentation on Access Rd 3A. Engineering plans of the project were emailed to all committee members prior to ISAC's meeting. The slide presentation informed the committee that Access Rd 3A was designed as 10 foot lanes with an 80-foot radius on the inside and a 100-foot radius on the outside. That design would give a 20-foot pavement section with 10-foot lanes. Mr. Selman stated that the road was designed that way to discourage fast moving vehicles through the road as a built-in traffic control device, and it conformed to minimum design criteria. He added that even though the road is extremely small, at low speeds, that is an acceptable engineering design criteria. In consideration for what has been observed, a change order was made to the construction project to add cement stabilization on and through that radius up to 4 feet. The idea is to widen coming into the radius then have the full 4 feet wide on each side through that radius and then taper back down as you transition out of the radius. It's not 4 feet the entire way, but 4 feet through the curve and then transition back into the pavement lane. Carter Tate commented on possible engineer/designer mistake on paper that doesn't work on the ground. Expressed concern about running into cars coming the opposite direction as a punishment for driving too fast. Another comment was made of the possible pedestrian traffic having been overlooked and suggested pedestrian sidewalks, or at least on one side. Would like to revisit the road design to improve it. Keith Selman commented that it was not an illogical request and could revisit,which prompted the next agenda item or phase of the discussion about individual projects or identifying projects; getting some project lists, and looking at implementing the area plan. Mr. Selman stated that it seems the pedestrian walkway is a real key in terms of what the area plan is focusing on. Question was asked about the design of Access Rd 2 being replaced this fall. Would it be the same design; that narrow? Mr. Selman and Mr. Ellington both stated that they had not seen the plan but would discuss it at the next ISAC meeting. IX. PACKERY CHANNEL PRESENTATION Deidre D.Williams, Coastal Research Scientist, presented the ISAC committee a slide presentation regarding Dredge/Nourishment Planning. She informed the committee on updates of the action items initiated from July through August 2017. She also discussed the Post-Storm checklist,which included assessing and surveying damages post Harvey. She informed the committee that a survey is anticipated in 2 weeks. She added that TXDOT had completed its assessment of Hwy 361 at Packery Channel and was awaiting further information. Ms. Williams also informed the committee of the Event Task, which provides for rapid deploy after storms in 2017/2018 contract with no need for additional City Action, not being authorized by TIRZ nor City Council. However,she added that the fortunate news was that a 2016 contract had been previously amended to extend period of performance that had an Event Task in place that could be amended to allow work to proceed but that it takes time to amend. She discussed Post-Storm assessment; two types — Shoaling/Beach and Structural. Again, no funding mechanism in 2017/2018 current contract but recommending 2016 Contract with Event Task. Visual slides of the level of subaerial damage to the North and South side of the channel were presented. Ms. Williams informed the committee of the condition of the Packery Channel Monitoring Station. Further,she discussed the observations that were made during and post-Harvey of the water velocity, level, and speed measurements and compared them to observations during a Winter storm. Question was asked if there were already some weakening/damages to the structure of Packery Channel. Deidre Williams responded that she was not a coastal engineer but that Packery Channel was built in 2006 and had been damaged before by Ike and Rita and numerous other storms that had impacted the channel which would change the stability of the articulated payment. Also, the giant stones on the jetties have moved many times, which is part of the life of the structure. Ms. Williams added that she was sure the City would have coastal engineers who would directly address concerns about the welfare and integrity of the structures. Libby Edwards asked when the committee would hear back from TGLO about CEPRA grant. Deidre Williams responded that the project period would be within the window of,or time frame of the planned dredge and nourishment project going forward, and then added,when they will tell us is kind of on TGLO time. Libby Edwards asked about the permit renewal, if there would be any problems. Deidre Williams responded that the meeting she had attended that morning was positive.The questions asked were general. The Packery Channel is a well-studied area and actively monitored, so,the permit would follow the template of the previous permit.The time frame can take up to a year, but she had specifically asked them if the permit would likely be available in time for the 2018-2019 dredge, and they didn't see any problem at that time during the morning meeting. Libby Edwards asked who was responsible for assuring the permit is renewed. Deidre Williams responded, the City, and added that she is working closely with City staff in developing a new blueprint going forward so when things like this happen, everyone knows what to do, when to do it, and what to check on. Staff is very supportive of the process and thinks it will avoid any issues in the future. Libby Edwards asked when committee could get storm survey results. Deidre Williams responded that a post storm survey would not be performed because not in the contract, but the City has authorized her to go forward with seasonal survey normally conducted late September, early October and are doing that survey early. Was hoping NOAA would do the actual post storm survey but that fell through. Had already lined up the surveyors to be ready,so when they can safely fit that into their schedule, it will be conducted. When talked to them today, said within 2 weeks if no trouble in the gulf. Someone asked if it was the waves and not the currents that scalloped the wall? Deidre Williams responded that she did not know, but that the engineers would sort it out. She shared that they have a running model Packery Channel now and will show the results of some of the modeling the students at Blucher Institute have conducted which show the magnitude of flushing in the channel. Carter Tate asked about the Event Fund. Deidre Williams stated that the work can continue because of a former contract in place.The previous contract was amended such that the work can continue. Hearing no objection, the chairman waived the order of the meeting and moved up to item V. V. DISCUSSION ON MUSTANG-PADRE ISLAND AREA DEVELOPMENT PLAN Keith Selman, Assistant City Manager, recommended bringing the Area Development Plan back to the table as the tool to work from in establishing capital projects. Recommended moving forward and looking for new projects. He shared the goals the board helped to establish by reading the Plan Mission Statement, which included, to create a unique "sense of place." Also,to have common sense in that process; making sure there is economic development; making sure there is growth,while being sensitive to the environment and the natural habitats on the Island. One good place to start the discussion would be the element already incorporated into the plan - Bicycle Mobility Plan. Mr. Selman showed slides of the bikeway network (streets); and explained buffered and unbuffered cycle track at intersections, driveways and bus stops. He continued with sharing with the board the general capital improvements from the plan that included parks and recreation and public safety (streets), and expressed that the list was not specific, so recommended moving forward with a specific target list such as what has been previously discussed like a pedestrian access on Access Road 3A, using the area plan list as a guidepost to get a lot more specific on projects. Mr.Selman stated that he and Libby had discussed the best way to approach that goal was through ISAC referring those goals to subcommittees, like the TIRZ, Packery Channel &Watershore & Beach Advisory subcommittees, to look at these kinds of projects and bring project listings back from the subcommittee level and discuss those projects. VI. DISCUSSION WITH POSSIBLE ACTION ON NEW CAPITAL PROJECT IDENTIFICATION Agenda Item VI slide reflected no new projects. Mr. Selman stated the need to fill it in and get it built up; may be projects not in the area plan, but more specific; really getting out of the box. What's our budget, asked Carter Tate? Mr. Selman's response was getting projects from subcommittees first; identifying projects, then putting dollar numbers and seeing what resources are available for those projects. Libby Edwards asked about Bond 2018, and Mr. Selman stated that would be a good presentation for the next meeting since it is still under discussion by City Council, but 3 different ballots are being proposed. Mr. Selman again added the recommendation of directing the subcommittees to start meeting and working up project listings, and having those subcommittees coordinate with the other subcommittees. Comment was made about Area Development Plan having been updated to the existing plan and questioned the status. Response was that City Council has not decided; idea is two a year, but the order is unknown. Also, downtown plan is yet to be adopted. William Goldston commented on two projects. He's been discussing with TXDOT about getting an arch permitted coming off the bridge to say something like, Welcome to the Island. Not an easy thing and they would like not to go public until approval first. He added, once approved, then work on funding. Second, has talked to Jeff Edmonds about the area along the access road on Park Road 22 from Commodores to the Whataburger. Accidents have occurred, so thinks Island needs a sidewalk there. That could be one of the bond projects done at the Island. Again, not easy because people have built attractive flower beds and other stuff,so putting a 5-ft/6-ft side walk there might not be easy, but a positive project the Island might be looking at. Waiting to hear back from Jeff Edmonds. Ms. Edwards stated that the ISAC TIRZ subcommittee will be meeting between tonight and next ISAC meeting to begin looking for and planning projects. We need to see the TIRZ projects going forward. Jay Gardner, Watershore & Beach Advisory, to give an update at ISAC's next regular meeting. Comment made about the information on City website regarding the Area Development Plan. XII. SCHEDULE NEXT MEETING Date: October 3, 2017 @ 5:30 Location: TBA XIII. ADJOURNMENT Meeting was adjourned at 6:45 p.m.