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Item L1 LI BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS COUNTY of MONROE Mayor Craig Cates,District 1 The Florida Keys Mayor Pro Tern Holly Merrill Raschein,District 5 Michelle Lincoln,District 2 James K.Scholl,District 3 m' David Rice,District 4 Board of County Commissioners Meeting September 20, 2023 Agenda Item Number: L1 2023-1467 BULK ITEM: No DEPARTMENT: Commissioners Aid TIME APPROXIMATE: STAFF CONTACT: Judy Clarke no AGENDA ITEM WORDING: MAYOR CATES: Discussion and direction regarding entering into a Maintenance Memorandum of Agreement (MMOA) with Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) to maintain landscaping on US 1 along a 4.5-mile section from MM 108.4 to MM 112.9 that includes the approximately 1-mile section at MM 109 known as 'Bikini Beach". ITEM BACKGROUND: In February 2022 the BOCC approved Resolution 073-2022 that requested FDOT create a visual barrier along an approximately 1-mile section of US 1 at MM 109 known as 'Bikini Beach" to attempt to alleviate the traffic slowdown due to the proximity of boaters to the roadway. In response to the resolution FDOT installed a fabric screen along the fence at MM 109, which the county maintains. In addition, FDOT is beginning design of a 4.5-mile landscaping project FM#446005-2 from MM 108.4 to MM 112.9, which will encompass the Bikini Beach section of the road. FDOT has requested that the County consider executing a maintenance agreement with FDOT to have the county be responsible for maintenance of the landscaping along the 4.5-mile project since many of the plant species that could be utilized for a visual barrier will overgrow the narrow shoulder area and require maintenance. PREVIOUS RELEVANT BOCC ACTION: BOCC approved Resolution 073-2022 at the request of Sheriff Rick Ramsey to support the request for a visual barrier at approximately mile marker 109 along US 1 adjacent to Barnes Sound on February 16, 2022. CONTRACT/AGREEMENT CHANGES: STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Discussion 3140 DOCUMENTATION: Discussion landscape maintenance agreement.pdf FINANCIAL IMPACT: 3141 CIA her id lib,i ........... 111b 4D, 11111111161- 1211 '000 O,oe % � �lf f I l�� r I�Alrr��//�//J�i�(rr w"'k�� 4��w Oar✓ w %��//��ii/ � �flY lb.�l hJil Jj , it�J�V�� l/ '"d!!� Jr (p4✓� �N� rA� k 'd ww /�j/�� ;. ,��i f 'u l,,J / rl �✓ r Jl" ri"f ,+laF"Wr .',.`,;Y r` �b /// AS r ��/rvi l l��lii� �,� A• ��I bb,r/� aY�/iv w� 1 // / f„ a M'f k ✓r P<«F y L r r� i�jf I/jV/ i/ �IT{l'i Yfl lhfn�XFf�� /?'JJr% JJ / r J Al IS (Y �d � ad r o a x r , t / / I �y � i I IM f � w II mm fM AMi/ J ti flu 4 I Yf n ! iw le ilk T. % DocuSign Envelope ID:359164CA-E5FD-4487-BA7B-A8ECA980A2D5 FD Oii . ._ Florida Department of Transportation RON DESANTIS 1000 N.W. 111 Avenue JARED W.PERDUE,P.E. GOVERNOR Miami,Florida 33172 SECRETARY July 28, 2023 The Honorable Craig Cates, Mayor Monroe County 500 Whitehead Street, Suite 102 Key West, FL 33040 RE: Resolution No. 073-2022 Dear Mayor Cates: I am writing to you in response to Monroe County Resolution No. 073-2022, which requests that the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) install a visual barrier along the southbound side of SR 5/US 1/Overseas Highway from MM 108.426 to MM 112.953. In response to this request, FDOT installed a green mesh fence with the primary purpose of preventing distracted driving and enhancing traffic safety in the area. In addition, FDOT is currently preparing design plans to add landscaping to create a more visually pleasing visual barrier, in line with the County's vision. During the development of landscape plans, two options have been discussed with Monroe County staff: • Option 1 consists of a lusher landscaping consisting of trees and shrubs. This option requires Monroe County to enter into a maintenance agreement with the Department to maintain the landscaping after installation. The County has communicated to FDOT that they are not able to participate in the maintenance of the proposed landscaping. • Option 2 consists of landscaping consisting of spaced palms that comply with FDOT maintenance requirements but will not serve to provide an effective landscape barrier. Based on feedback from Monroe County staff, FDOT will proceed with Option 2 and will revise the landscape plans accordingly. The existing green mesh fence will remain in place and continue to be maintained by Monroe County. Thank you for your understanding and continued collaboration. Together,we can continue to work towards creating a safer and more visually appealing environment for the residents and visitors of Monroe County. If there are any further questions, please contact me at (305)-470-5197 or at stacy.millerdot.state.fl.us. Sincerely, DocuSigned by: 9A89F25A78144F3... Stacy L. Miller, P.E. District Six secretary www.fdot.gov ( www.soutliflroads.com 3146 DocuSign Envelope ID:359164CA-E5FD-4487-BA7B-A8ECA980A2D5 The Honorable Craig Cates July 28, 2023 Page 2 cc: Roman Gastesi, Monroe County Administrator Commissioner Holly Merrill Raschein, Monroe County Commissioner David Rice, Monroe County Commissioner Michelle Lincoln, Monroe County Commissioner Jim Scholl, Monroe County Daniel Iglesias, P.E., Director of Transportation Development FDOT Renato Marrero, P.E., Maintenance Engineer FDOT 3147 y MONROE COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS RESOLUTION NO. 073 -2022 A RESOLUTION BY THE MONROE COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS SUPPORTING THE REQUEST OF MONROE COUNTY SHERIFF RICK RAMSAY FOR A VISUAL BARRIER AT APPROXIMATELY MILE MARKER 109 ALONG THE FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION (FDOT) RIGHT-OF-WAY OF U.S. 1 ADJACENT TO BARNES SOUND. WHEREAS, in this February 7, 2022 letter to the Monroe County Board of County Commissioners(BOCC)(attached hereto as Exhibit A),Monroe County Sheriff Rick.Ramsay requested the Board's support to establish a visual barricade at approximately Mile Marker 109 along the Barnes Sound side of U.S. 1; and WHEREAS, Sheriff Ramsay has indicated the purpose of preventing distracted driving in the interest of traffic safety and reduction of congestion; and WHEREAS, Sheriff Ramsay stated"I ask for your support as a matter of public safety and traffic congestion"; and WHEREAS, the Florida Keys are dependent on a safe, attractive, resilient, sustainable, and efficient access and travel along U.S. 1 throughout Monroe County; and WHEREAS, coordinated and comprehensive solutions are necessary for the traffic flow, congestion, safety and other transportation issues that affect the Florida Keys; and WHEREAS, the FDOT is tasked with providing a safe statewide transportation system that ensures the mobility of people and goods, enhances economic prosperity, and preserves the quality of our environment and communities, and WHEREAS,the partnership with FDOT is important to address and solve transportation issues affecting the Florida Keys and recognizing the importance of and support for maintaining a safe,resilient and efficient access and travel along U.S. 1; NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA: Page 1 of 2 3148 Section 1. The Board of County Commissioners of Monroe County, Florida hereby supports the installation of a visual barrier along the Barnes Sound side of U.S. 1 at approximately Mile Mark 109. Section 2. The Clerk is hereby directed to provide a copy of this resolution to: • Stacy Miller, Florida Department of Transportation District Six Secretary • Monroe County Sheriff Rick Ramsay PASSED AND ADOPTED by the Board of County Commissioners of Monroe County,Florida, at a regular meeting held on the 16th day of February , 2022. Mayor David Rice Yes Mayor Pro Tem Craig Cates Yes Commissioner Michelle Coldiron Yes Commissioner District Three VACANT Commissioner Holly Raschein Yes BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA /OX ��--� �A 3a ,a.v A �` BY . 4.� MAYOR On a ATTI✓ST: KEVIN MADOK, CLERK AS DEPUTY CLERK `` r Approved as to form and legal sufficiency: -,-I :Q Digitally signed by Robert B.Shillinger r y DN:cn=Robert B.Shillinger,o=Monroe County BOCC, Robert B. Shillinger F�°u=Monroe County Attorney,email=shillinger- bob@onroecounty-fl.gov,c=US J;r. mDate:2022.02.18 13:16:34-05'00' Robert B. Shillinger, Monroe County Attorney Page 2 of 2 3149 MONROE COUNTY SHERMP'S OrVICE RICHARD A. RAMSAY, SHERIFF 1Al 5 February 07, 2022 Board of County Commissioners Monroe County Dear Commissioners, As traffic problems remain one of the top concerns of our citizens it also remains one of the top concerns for public safety. Throughout the many years we have all heard about and probably witnessed the impact of what has become known as"Bikini Beach"located ocean side at the log mile marker on U.S.I. This area has a chain link fence between the water and land adjacent to the highway which causes a lot of distracted driving on a daily basis. On top of that,it has become a hangout for boaters who pull up to the fence line with its occupants then congregating. These occupants are generally in swim attire,thus the name Bikini Beach. The close proximity of motorists and swimmers has caused traffic to slow well below the posted 55 mph speed zone in order to look at the water,boats and swimmers. The constant slow speed causes the normal flow of traffic to come to a stop with backups going miles in each direction. The result of this major reduction of speed and distracted driving has caused a large increase in rear-end collisions,which has made the backups that much worse. These crashes then require police,fire and rescue assets to respond and deal with them. Another undesirable consequence to the traffic congestion is that vehicles going south into Key Largo,once passed the congested area of the log mile marker,are attempting to make up time and more likely to drive in a dangerous manner as a result. I have been asking FDOT for years to block the view of that area with saltwater-tolerant trees, fencing or tennis court fencing's netting. FDOT has acknowledged the problem at that location, but has been resistant to block the view as it is a scenic highway. I do understand the scenic highway requisites however public safety and traffic flow has to take a priority. The Upper Keys'residents have started a petition in support of blocking the view. FDOT has advised me to obtain support from the County Commission in order for them to consider blocking the view. I ask for your support as a matter of public safety and traffic congestion. Sincerely, Rick Ramsay Sheriff of Monroe County RAR/dvk 5525 COLLEGE ROAD KEY WEST, 1 L 33040 (305)292-7001 WWW.KEYSSO.NET ag 3150