Item H4BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
AGENDA ITEM SUMMARY
Meeting Date: May 18, 2000
Bulk Item: Yes No X
Division: Growth Managgement
Department: N/A
AGENDA ITEM WORDING: Resolution by the Monroe County Board of County Commissioners to allow
the Florida Department of Environmental Protection to design, build, and maintain the Florida Keys Overseas
Heritage Trail.
ITEM BACKGROUND: Monroe County is in the master planning phase for a recreational trail that will
traverse the length the Florida Keys and provide a means for pedestrians and other non -motorized users to
safely commute and access facilities along the US 1 corridor. The trail will also provide a means to attract low
impact, resource friendly visitors to the Florida Keys.
PREVIOUS RELEVANT BOARD ACTION:
Resolution No. 029 1999 — A resolution by the Monroe County Board if Commissioners endorsing the
conceptual design of the first phase of the Florida Keys Overseas Heritage Highway bike and pedestrian trail
(mm 0 — 20).
Resolution No. 141-1999 — A resolution concerning the receipt of unanticipated funds for the completion of the
Overseas Heritage Trail Master Plan (DOT - $60,000; DEP - $60,000; Monroe County Roadway Impact Fees -
$60,000)
August 12, 1999 — Board provided approval to execute a contract with Michael Design Associates for the
completion of a master plan for the Overseas Heritage Trail (mm 0 — 106.5).
STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Approval.
TOTAL COST: $15,000,000 BUDGETED: Yes
COST TO COUNTY: 1,000,000
APPROVED BY: County Attorney X OMB/Purchasing
DEPARTMENT HEAD APPROVAL: yf %'`LZe rZ_
K. Marye Conaway
DMSION DIRECTOR APPROVAL:
DOCUMENTATION: Included
DISPOSITION:
No X
N/A
of
Risk Management N/A
of Growth Management
X To follow Not required
Agenda Item #: 4v
RESOLUTION 2000
A RESOLUTION BY THE MONROE COUNTY
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS TO ALLOW THE
FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION TO DESIGN,
BUILD, AND MAINTAIN THE PROPOSED
FLORIDA KEYS OVERSEAS HERITAGE TRAIL
Whereas, Monroe County is committed to safe alternative transportation options along US 1 for
non -motorized users; and
Whereas, Monroe County has been seeking a method for attracting low impact, resource
friendly tourists; and
Whereas, Monroe County has been seeking alternatives to long-term maintenance costs
associated with a Keys -wide recreational trail; and
Whereas, the Monroe County Board of County Commissioners approved the development of a
master plan for the Florida Keys Overseas Heritage Trail; and
Whereas, Monroe County, the Florida Department of Transportation, and the Florida
Department of Environmental Protection worked as partners and contributed equally to the
funding of the Florida Keys Overseas Heritage Trail Master Plan; and
Whereas, trail implementation strategies and agency partnerships were explored throughout the
master planning process; and
Whereas, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection has designated the Florida Keys
Overseas Heritage Trail as one of three statewide priority trails; and
Whereas, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection offered to build and maintain the
Florida Keys Overseas Heritage Trail; and
Whereas, the Florida Department of Transportation has programmed over $10,000,000 in its
current Five -Year Transportation Plan for the design and construction of recreational trail
segments along US 1 in the Florida Keys;
Whereas, the Florida Department of Transportation will allow the Florida Department of
Environmental Protection, as a Local Agency Program (LAP) -certified organization for federally
funded projects, to administer programmed enhancement funding for the design and
construction of the Florida Keys Overseas Heritage Trail;
Whereas, Monroe County has been coordinating closely with its municipalities throughout the
trail master planning phase;
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
OF MONROE COUNTY SUPPORTS THE FOLLOWING MEASURES TO IMPLEMENT THE
FLORIDA KEYS OVERSEAS HERITAGE TRAIL:
1. The Florida Department of Environmental Protection will become the lead agency in the
planning, design, and construction of the Florida Keys Overseas Heritage Trail;
Pagel of 3
2. The Florida Department of Environmental Protection will act as the agent for Monroe County
in the administration of programmed trail funds in the Florida Department of Transportation,
District 6 Five Year Transportation Plan including:
Project Name
Mile Marker
# Miles
DOT Item
Year
Estimate (3/00)
Grassy Key
54.5-59.5
5
2505681
2001
$1,118,920.00
Big Coppitt Key
11-15
4
2505651
2001
$885,263.00
Knights Key
47
2505671
2001
$784,704.00
Saddlebunch Key
15-16.5
1.5
2505721
2002
$382,134.00
Bahia Honda to Little Duck
36.5-40.2
3.5
2505711
2003
$895,230.00
Key Haven to Big Coppitt
5.2-9.6
4.4
2505851
2003
$1,104,290.00
Summerland-Bahia Honda
25-37
12
4056321
2004
$1,654,450.00
Summerland-Bahia Honda
25-37
4056321
2004
$330,044.00
Sugarloaf to Summerland
16.5-24.5
8
4056331
2004
$1,317,831.00
Grassy Key to Long Key
59.2-65.2
6
4056301
2004
$973,123.00
City of Layton to Annes Beach
68.4-73.8
5.4
4056341
2004
$856,516.00
Totals
49.8
$10,302,505.00
3. The Florida Department of Environmental Protection has permission to enter into a
maintenance agreement with the Florida Department of Transportation District 6 for all portions
of the Florida Keys Overseas Heritage Trail including those currently maintained by Monroe
County Public Works Division;
4. The Florida Department of Environmental Protection may apply for future design,
construction, and maintenance funds for the Florida Keys Overseas Heritage Trail. The Florida
Keys Overseas Heritage Trail will -ren iat i lrpriority for Monroe County during the selection and law
ranking of future Florida Department of Transportation enhancement projects and other grant
funds.
5. Monroe County will contribute $1,000,000 in impact fees during fiscal year 2000/2001 to
upgrade and widen existing trail segments and to close existing gaps in portions of the Florida
Keys Overseas Heritage Trail located within unincorporated Monroe County and the new City of
Marathon. Funds will be spent in accordance with the Monroe County Code.
6. Monroe County will continue to coordinate closely with its municipalities and other
participating agencies to forward the goals of the Florida Keys Overseas Heritage Trail.
Page 2 of 3
PASSED AND ADOPTED By The Board of County Commissioners of Monroe County, Florida,
at a regular meeting of said Board held on the day of May, 2000.
(Seal)
Attest: DANNY L. KOLHAGE, Clerk
By:
Deputy Clerk
Mayor Shirley Freeman _
Mayor Pro Tern George Neugent
Commissioner Wilhemina Harvey
Commissioner Mary Kay Reich _
Commissioner Nora Williams
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA
By:
Mayor/Chairperson
APPRO —D AS TO FORM
AND L- _ _ - J?FICIENCCY
BY I
T- Attomey's Office
Page 3 of 3
Memorandum
Date: March 1, 2000
To: Bob Ballard
Deputy Secretary of Land and Recreation
Florida Department of
Environmental Protection
From: Mike Bullock, Assistant Director of Recreation and Parks
Debbie Parrish, Director of the Office of Greenways and Trails
Re: The Florida Keys Overseas Heritage Trail
The following is a briefing of issues we discussed in a recent meeting between our respected
offices and Monroe County regarding the Florida Keys Overseas Heritage Trail:
♦ Department of Transportation (DOT) District VI has not been given any direction
from central DOT office concerning their assuming responsibilities for the structural
condition of the Old Keys Bridges. This is an important issue and needs to be
addressed as soon as possible on the Secretary level.
♦ Division of Recreation and Parks (Division) looks forward to being the manager of
the Overseas Heritage Trail, with the understanding that the structural condition of
the bridges will be managed by another agency besides the Division.
♦ Currently, the Division has contracted with DOT for litter pickup on the Old Keys
Bridges. In the future, the Division anticipates assuming responsibilities for litter
pickup, and will prepare a transition strategy. The Division is working to have
appropriate signage posted at the bridges.
♦ Presently, Monroe County has nine bike/pedestrian DOT enhancement projects
scheduled for construction on upland areas (the attachment provides information on
each project). These enhancement projects, if built to trail standards, will provide a
significant portion of the trail.
♦ Since the Division will be the manager of this facility, it prefers to oversee the
project's design and construction. This will ensure consistency with Division
standards for the facility. The Division will look into using a private consultant for
the design and construction process.
♦ Monroe County has spoken with DOT, who has expressed a willingness to transfer
the existing enhancement funds to an agency that follows Local Agency Program
(LAP) guidelines, and is LAP certified. This certification ensures that the design and
construction meets DOT federal highway standards. The Division of Recreation and
Parks is LAP certified to meet these standards. The Division will be contacting the
DOT Central Office and the DOT District VI to discuss the transfer of the
enhancement funding and coordination between the two agencies.
♦ If the Division undertakes these enhancement projects, a Legislation Budget Request
(LBR) is needed as soon as possible so spending authority is granted for the amounts
to be spent on construction by 2001. The other amounts can be handled through the
LBR process in future years.
♦ The Division has concerns with keeping the DOT design and construction timeline of
the enhancement projects; especially those scheduled to be completed in 2001. The
Division will explore the possibility of setting up a new timeline so there is sufficient
design time for these enhancement projects.
♦ The Division has requested of Monroe County the opportunity to participate in any
future meetings with the staff working on the Master Plan, and to be notified of all
public meetings concerning the Master Plan development. Monroe County agrees to
these requests, and acknowledges that the Division will be given the opportunity to
review the Master Plan of the Overseas Heritage Trail as soon as it is ready at the end
of May.
♦ All of the above issues, except for issue one, will be addressed in a meeting being
scheduled by the Office of Greenways and Trails with the appropriate officials from
Central DOT, District DOT, Division of Recreation and Parks and Monroe County.
Our offices and Monroe County also met with Rick Cantrell, Director of the South Florida
Regulatory District Office, and officials from the DEP district permitting office following the
above meeting. The following is a briefing of the permitting concerns discussed regarding the
Florida Keys Overseas Heritage Trail:
♦ Currently, DOT is responsible for applying for permits on the existing enhancement
projects. The Division agreed to seek the permits for the trail if they build the trail.
DEP will be the permit applicant, and South Florida Water Management District
(SFWMD) will be the issuing agency.
♦ Permitting boardwalks is a major concern for this project with the current regulations
that SFWMD is enforcing. Rick Cantrell mentioned that he wrote the rule being
enforced, and explained that the rule was not intended to prohibit boardwalks that are
in the public's interest. Furthermore, safety is an important issue in the Keys and can
most likely justify the construction of boardwalks where necessary.
♦ A future meeting will be scheduled for DEP and the permitting agencies to discuss
the master plan results and to resolve concerns about building boardwalks.
♦ Presently, there are permitting conflicts dealing with endangered species along the
trail. These setbacks have resulted in an unreasonable trail width, which will not
accommodate two-way traffic safely.
♦ These are important concerns to be addressed in an upcoming meeting with DEP,
SFWMD and DOT.
♦ Also, Monroe County will discuss with DOT the possible allocation of OPS funds in
order to provide DEP with staff to see through the project's permitting issues.
If you have any questions or comments on the above briefing, please feel free to contact us. Our
offices are excited with the future success of this project, and will continue to inform you on the
progress of the Florida Keys Overseas Heritage Trail.
Jeb Bush
Governor
Department of
Environmental Protection
Marjory Stoneman Douglas Building
3900 Commonwealth Boulevard David B. Struhs
Tallahassee, Florida 32399-3000 Secretary
March 1, 2000
Ms. Trish Stratton
Monroe County Bicycle/Pedestrian Planner
2798 Overseas Highway, Suite 400
Marathon, Florida 33050
Re: The Florida Keys Overseas Heritage "Trail
Dear Ms. Stratton:
I am pleased to team that the recent meetings between Monroe County and our involved
offices were very productive. I want to follow-up on issues discussed in the meetings, and
assure you that our department is working diligently to address your concerns.
Secretary Struhs will gladly discuss with Secretary Barry the assumed responsibilities tc: be
carried out by District VI on the structural condition of the Old Keys Bridges. In addition,
The Division of Recreation and Parks (Division) is fully committed to the management of the
Florida Keys Overseas Heritage Trail. Currently, the Division is considering overseeing the
design and construction of the trail by administering federal enhancement funds, presently
supervised by the Department of Transportation (DOT). Further details concerning the
possible transfer of enhancement funds will be discussed at an upcoming meeting being
scheduled by the Office of Greenways and Trails between the DOT and the Division.
As aiscussed in the meeting with Rick Cantrell and the district officials, the Division agrees
to seek permits from the South Florida Water Management District if it builds the trail.
Future meetings with the necessary agencies are being scheduled to discuss permitting issues
involved in this project.
Please continue to inform the Office of Greenways and Trails, as well as the Division of
Recreation and Parks, on all meetings regarding the Master Plan development for the
Overseas Heritage Trail. As you are aware, Rachel Goodson from the Office of Greenways
and Trails is DEP's main contact for this project. However, Dale Adams with the Division
of State Lands will continue to be involved so that his history and knowledge can contribute
to the success of this project.
"More Protection, Less Process"
Printed on recycled paper.
You have our full support on this project. We would like to see this trail become a part of
the statewide system of Greenways and Trails and connected to our wonderful Florida State
Parks. It is a pleasure working with Monroe County on this worthwhile endeavor, and I look
forward to the future assistance that our department may provide with the development of the
Florida Keys Overseas Heritage Trail.
Sincerely,
Bob Ballard
Deputy Sec eLam-y
Land and Recreation
L-0
Resolution No. 029 1999
A RESOLUTION BY THE MONROE COUNTY BOARD OF
COMMISSIONERS ENDORSING THE CONCEPTUAL DESIGN
OF THE FIRST PHASE OF THE FLORIDA KEYS OVERSEAS
HIGHWAY BIKE AND PEDESTRIAN TRAIL.
Whereas, by Resolution No. 543-1996, the Monroe County Board of
Commissioners recognized local efforts to pursue a Florida Scenic Highways
designation for the Florida Keys Overseas Highway as part of the State's
program to recognized highways that provide a window into Florida's heritage
and beauty; and
Whereas, since 1993, Monroe County has participated in the Department
of Transportation's Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Program which
has provided the`opportunity and funding to install bicycle paths and pedestrian
walkways adjacent to the US corridor; and
Whereas, in 1997, the Department of Environmental Protection provided
funding to the Clean Florida Keys Inc., Scenic Highway Project to design a
conceptual plan of the first phase of a bicycle/pedestrian trail from Key West to
Sugarloaf, MM 0-20; and
Whereas, the Governor's Office recognized the Florida Keys Overseas
Highway by proclamation as an official Florida greenway and appointed a Task
Force to address the use of the Old Keys Bridges; and
Whereas, in 1998, the State Legislature appropriated funding to the
County through the Department of Environmental Protection for litter
maintenance of the fishing bridges and for the completion of a comprehensive
countywide trail master plan that would create a continuous network of user
friendly facilities for bicyclists and pedestrians; and
Whereas, local island residents throughout Monroe County will benefit
economically, environmentally, and aesthetically in the creation of a world -class
trail from Key West to Key Largo, safely connecting their communities to major
activity centers, schools, and recreation areas;
blI %anon 3paNOW
30"1034 1).NNVO
W6 NY 11 A , 66
0U0338 V03 031I3
Now therefore, be it resolved by the Board of County Commissioners of
Monroe County, Florida that
1. The Board endorses the continue efforts of Clean Florida Inc., Scenic
Highway Project and adopts the "Florida Keys Overseas Heritage Trail
Conceptual Plan, MM 0-20",
2. The Board recognizes the accomplishments of the Clean Florida Keys,
Inc. Scenic Highway Project in establishing partnerships and
appreciates the cooperative efforts evidenced by the Department of
Transportation, the Department of Environmental Protection, the
Governor's Office, and the local communities to create a world -class
trail of local, state, regional, national, and international significance.
3. The Board understands that consideration for the maintenance of such
a project is a concern and recommends that discussions ensue to
address those concerns with all interested parties.
4. The Board requests the Department of Environmental Protection
designate the Overseas Highway Heritage Trail as a "Statewide Trail",
an integral part of the "Statewide Trail System".
5. The Board acknowledges the volunteer efforts of all those involved that
are interested in improving the quality of life in the Florida Keys.
Passed and Adopted by the Board of County Commissioners of Monroe County,
Florida, as a regular meeting of said Board held on the 13th of day of January,
1999.
Mayor Wilhelmina Harvey yes
Mayor ProTem Shirley Freeman
Commissioner Neugent yes
Commissioner Williams yes
ommissioner Reich yes
%1; 'ids
T• BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
;Of MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA
(Seal)
Attest: DANNY L. KOLHAGE, Clerk ,.
By: I By:
uty Urk Mayor/Chairman
APPROVED AS TO FORM
D_ AL FF
8 �
ROBERT N.
DATE
NOV-16-SS 17:33 FROM:MONROE COUNTY PURCHASING I13:30S2S24SIS
KeSoluuan No. 141
PAGE 1
A RESOL,i1TI4N CON - 1999
WHEREAS, it is CERNII�jG � RECEIPT OF UNANTICIPATED FUND
necess f S
increase items to account t—.unanticipated d of Co
L[tlt3' Coaimissfo,*e� of Monroe Count-, Florida. !�
now therefore,funds In the Monroe Coun
ry Budget for the Fiscal Year ; 99q
BE IT RESOLVED BY TZIE BO
FLORIDA, that the foIlowin ARD OF COUNTY CONiMISSIO
same is hereby increased b g accounts of the Mout�ae Coup 11T1✓RS OF MON120E COUNT',
Fund #125 Gove y theo�t here' County Budget for the Fiscal Year 1999 be and the
Governmental Type Grants wafttr set forth:
Cost Center # 50505 Overseas Beritage Trail Master PIA,*
Revenues
125-50505-334490-G W99fl0
125-SOS05-334490-GW9901 DOT — State Funding
DEP 125-50505-381130-GWg90j -State Funding
S 60,000.00
Roadway Impart Fees
60,000.00
Total Revenue
60,000.00
Appropriations:
5180,000.00
125-5490-50505-530490-G W9900-530340
125-5490-50505-530490-GW9901-530340
Contractual Services
S 60,000.00
Total Appropriations:
S120,00o.00
ahn �T FURTHER RESOLVED By SAID $180,OQ0.00
unanticipated fw�ds, is hereby BOARD, that the Cleric of said Board, upon receipt of the
above. authorized and directed to place funds in said i
tams, as set forth
PASSED AND ADOPTED by the Board of County Co
regular meeting of said Board held on the 14`" day of April, A.D.m 99� of Monroe Coon .
ty, Florida, at a
Mayor Harvey
Mayor ProTetn Fre ealaq
e s
Commissioner Neagent
Commissioner Wiiliams
yes
yes —
�
Commissioner Reich
Y
_
BOARD OF CONY C
OF M4ROl~ CQMMISSIONERS
�'OUNTY,
c x
..�� FLORIDA
By:
hainnan
r
A m
rLLLCSI: liANNV L. KOLHAGE, Clerk
Trails.doc 3J30/99 Page 3
APPROVED AS TO FOR
AND L SUFFICE
BY
NN£ H N
�rYF �-
iv,
LAST I STAND
P.O. Box 146, Key W11t, R 33041 (305) 296-3335
'Protecting the Keys"
Mayor Shirley Freeman & County Commissioners
Board of Monroe County Commissioners
Key Largo Library
101485 Overseas Highway
Key Largo, Florida 33037
May 16, 2000
Dear Mayor Freeman & Members of the County Commission:
This letter is in reference to the resolution to be considered by the Board of Monroe
County Commissioners at its May 18, 2000 meeting that would allow the Florida
Department of Environmental Protection to design, build and maintain the proposed
Florida Keys Overseas Heritage Trail. Please be advised that the Board of Directors of
Last Stand voted at its meeting on May 16, 2000 to enthusiastically support the proposed
resolution.
The longstanding commitment of Last Stand to the development of the Heritage Trail is
borne of our firm belief that the quality of life of the Florida Keys will be markedly
enhanced through the promotion of safe alternative transportation that attracts low impact
tourism compatible with our fragile environment. We sincerely believe that the Heritage
Trail possesses scenic and historic attributes unparalleled anywhere else in the United
States and that its development will generate substantial environmental and economic
benefits to our communities.
The decision of the Board of Monroe County Commissioners to allow the Florida
Department of Environmental Protection to design, build and maintain the Heritage Trail
will assure stable funding for the project and further its incorporation into a statewide
network of pedestrian and bicycle pathways. The development of the Heritage Trail will
link our communities and public lands with a relatively minimal investment in
infrastructure and will afford residents and visitors alike a perspective of the Florida Keys
that promotes greater awareness, deeper appreciation and enhanced respect for our
history, architecture and natural environment.
Last Stand therefore welcomes the opportunity to support the partnership of Monroe
County, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and the Florida Department
of Transportation in the development of the Florida Keys Overseas Highway Heritage
Trail. We believe that the trail represents a fitting tribute to our past and an magnificent
legacy for the future.
Si4Boof
ly,
loran, resident
Directors
Jose X. DiNovo
Exec ive Director