15
Board of County Commissioners
Agenda Request
Date of Meeting:
February 16, 2016
Date Submitted:
January 22, 2016
To:
Honorable Chairperson and Members of the Board
From:
David Weiss, County Attorney
Robert M. Presnell, County Administrator
Curtis Young, Public Works Director
Subject:
Amendment to Gadsden County Traffic Calming Device Policy
Statement of Issue:
This agenda item seeks Board approval of amendments to the Gadsden County Traffic
Calming Device Policy.
Background:
The Board of County Commissioners previously adopted a Traffic Calming Device
Policy. At the January 19, 2016 meeting of the Board, the Board voted to amend the
Policy to remove the provisions requiring payment of the costs associated with the
installation and removal of the traffic calming devices to be collected from the benefitted
property owners as non ad valorem special assessments, and instructed staff to bring back
the amended policy for approval.
Analysis:
Attached is the Gadsden County Traffic Calming Device Policy, amended to remove the
provisions requiring payment of the costs associated with the installation and removal of
the traffic calming devices to be collected from the benefitted property owners as non ad
valorem special assessments for the Board’s approval.
Fiscal Impact:
With the amendment to the Policy, the County would incur the expense of installing and
removing any approved traffic calming devices.
Options:
1. Approve and adopt the amended Gadsden County Traffic Calming Device Policy.
2. Propose changes to the amended Gadsden County Traffic Calming Device Policy,
and approve and adopt with changes.
3. Disapprove and reject the amended Gadsden County Traffic Calming Device
Policy.
4. Board direction.
County Administrator's Recommendation:
Option 4
Attachment:
1. Draft amended Gadsden County Traffic Calming Device Policy (clean and redline
versions).
Page 2 of 17
Gadsden County
Board of County Commissioners
Neighborhood Traffic Management Program
1284 High Bridge Road
Quincy, FL 32351
(850)875-8672
Page 3 of 17
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Index No.
1
Introduction and General Standards
1.1
Function of the Gadsden County Traffic Calming Program
1.2
Street Classification
1.3
Legal Authority
1.4
Standardization of Application
Exhibit 1 Flow Chart
1.5
Traffic Calming Device Design
2
Program Elements
2.1
Speed Criteria
2.2
Establishment of a Petition District
2.3
Petition for Traffic Calming Devices
2.4
Notice to Public; Hearing
2.5
Design Review
2.6
Removal Process
3
General Construction Guidelines
3.1
Materials
3.2
Keeping the Road Open to Traffic
3.3
Traffic Control
3.4
Construction Methods
3.5
Signs and Pavement Markings
Appendix A PETITION FOR TRAFFIC CALMING DEVICES
Page No.
1
1
1
1
1
2
2
2
2
2
2
3
3
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
5
Page 4 of 17
1.
INTRODUCTION AND GENERAL STANDARDS
1.1 Function of the Gadsden County Traffic Calming Program
In response to numerous complaints about speeding problems in neighborhoods, the Gadsden County
Department of Public Works (GCPW) has studied other similar community traffic calming programs
along with other research on this topic. This research found that the Institute of Transportation
Engineers (ITE) completed a report for the Federal Highway Administration (FWHA) titled, Traffic
Calming: State of the Practice. This report contains several types of traffic calming devices and defines
traffic calming as follows: “Traffic calming is the combination of mainly physical measures that
reduce the negative effects of motor vehicle use, alter driver behavior and improve conditions for nonmotorized street users”. The information in this report is critical to this policy and shall be used as a
guide for any traffic calming device placed within this county. The above mentioned report is available
on the ITE bookstore online at www.ite.org. The following policy has been established for the citizens
of Gadsden County who wish to pursue the installation of traffic calming devices in their
neighborhoods. Refer to Exhibit 1, on page 2, as a guideline to be followed when considering the
installation of a traffic calming device.
1.2 Installation Considerations
GCPW will only consider installation of traffic calming devices on County roads open for vehicular
travel by the public located in the unincorporated area of the County in which the County owns the fee
or has an easement devoted to or required for use as a public transportation facility which are classified
as local, residential roads with a posted speed limit of 25 mph. Data obtained from traffic engineering
studies of physical and traffic related factors should be used in determining where traffic calming
devices are appropriate. Traffic engineering studies may indicate that traffic calming devices would be
unnecessary or unsafe at certain locations.
1.3 Legal Authority
Only the Gadsden County Board of County Commissioners can authorize the placement of a traffic
calming device and shall also have the authority to remove any traffic calming device as seen
necessary.
1.4 Standardization of Application
In keeping with the general recommendation of the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices
(MUTCD), uniformity aids in the recognition and understanding of traffic control devices. Therefore
strict adherence to the standards and guidelines outlined in this manual will help ensure that any given
traffic calming device installation will be equally recognizable and require the same action on the part
of the motorists regardless of where it is encountered.
Page 5 of 17
Exhibit 1 - Flow Chart
Property owner shows interest in a traffic calming device. (Sec. 1.1)
GCPW conducts a speed study and finds a speeding problem does exist. (Sec. 2.1)
GCPW creates a petition district. (Sec. 2.2)
Property owner has petition signed with 75% or more of the property owners approve a traffic calming
device installed and GCPW verifies signatures with tax records. (Sec. 2.3)
Gadsden County Board of County Commissioners holds public hearing. (Sec. 2.4)
Gadsden County Board of County Commissioners approve placement of the traffic calming device.
(Sec. 2.5)
1.5 Traffic Calming Device Design
GCPW will be responsible for having the new traffic calming device designed. The design for
roadways and other structures shall be in accordance with the American Association of State Highway
and Transportation Officials’ A Policy on Geometric Design of Highway and Streets (commonly
referred to as the AASHTO Green Book).
2.
PROGRAM ELEMENTS
2.1 Speed Criteria
GCPW traffic studies must find a speeding problem does exist. The speed study will provide the 85th
percentile speed, which must prove speeds are at least 10 mph over the posted speed limit of 25 mph.
The 85th percentile speed is an excellent indicator of street character and is used by nearly all states and
cities for establishing regulatory speed limits.
2.2 Establishment of a Petition District
If a road or road section meets or exceeds the speed criteria and meets the classification criteria,
GCPW will create a petition district. The petition district will consist of the road with the device, all
intersecting side roads and possibly other affected areas. Properties may be excluded from the petition
district if it seems that such properties would receive no or only a remote benefit from the effect of the
traffic calming device.
2.3 Petition for Traffic Calming Devices
If GCPW concludes that a speed problem exists as determined in 2.1, they will forward the traffic
calming proposal along with petition forms to the homeowner’s representative (Reference Appendix A
Page 6 of 17
- Petition for Traffic Calming Devices). A properly executed petition is a generally accepted method to
effect a public action. The following rules and requirements, which will be included with the petition
forms, help ensure the fairness and integrity of the petition process:
The objective of the Gadsden County Traffic Calming Program is to provide property owners a process
to have traffic calming devices installed on County maintained neighborhood roads, where engineering
studies indicate that their use would meet the desired results of reducing neighborhood speeds and their
installation is favored by 75% of the homeowners in the petition district.
To have a traffic calming device installed in Gadsden County, a petition must be submitted to GCPW.
All of the property owners in the defined petition district shall be contacted and given opportunity to
sign this petition, indicating they want the installation of traffic calming devices. If the area has an
active Homeowner’s Association (HOA), the HOA must provide a letter endorsing the installation of
traffic calming features. If the lot is jointly owned, all owners must sign the petition in order for the lot
to count as an affirmative vote. A “Mr. and Mrs.” signature is not acceptable. All owners must sign
individually. This includes owners of undeveloped lots. Renting tenants are not an acceptable
substitute for the legal homeowner. No signature will be withdrawn from the petition after it is filed
with GCPW. The purpose of the witness’ signature is to verify the signatures of the property owners.
The percentages will be calculated, based on individual lots where owners’ sign affirmatively, divided
by the total number of lots in the defined petition district. Each lot counts as only one vote, regardless
of the number of owners signing. At least 75% of the lots must vote in favor of the traffic calming
device before petitions can be reviewed by GCPW. Once the petition is signed and returned to GCPW,
it will be checked against tax records and land lot maps to ensure it meets all requirements.
For subdivisions not completely built out, a minimum of 60% of the total units within the assessment
district must be occupied before a petition for the installation of traffic calming devices will be
considered, and a minimum of 80% of the total units must be occupied before a petition for the
removal of the devices will be considered.
2.4 Notice to public; hearing
Upon presentation of a petition which fully complies with section 2.3, the Board of County
Commissioners shall publish, at least once, in a newspaper of general circulation in the County, a
notice stating that at a regular meeting of the Board of County Commissioners on a certain day and
hour, to be held at least ten days after the first publication, the Board of County Commissioners will
hear all interested persons on the traffic calming devices proposed in the petition. The notice shall
provide the location and description of the proposed devices. A copy of the notice shall be mailed to
the record title holders of the property within the petition district at the address shown on the most
recent county property appraiser's ad valorem tax assessment roll. Such notice shall be mailed at least
14 days prior to the public hearing. At the time designated in the notice, the Board of County
Commissioners shall hear all interested persons, and may then or thereafter reject the petition, or order,
by resolution, the installation of the proposed traffic calming devices.
2.5 Design Review
If the Board of County Commissioners orders, by resolution, the installation of the traffic calming
devices, GCPC will propose a design of the traffic calming devices for the Board of County
Page 7 of 17
Commissioners’ consideration. After approval of the design by the Board of County Commissioners,
GCPW will install the traffic calming devices.
2.6 Removal Process
The removal of traffic calming devices shall be subject to the same requirements set forth in sections
2.2 – 2.5. A petition for removal will only be considered after traffic calming devices have been in
place for a period of at least one year.
3. GENERAL CONSTRUCTION GUIDELINES
3.1 Materials
All materials furnished and/or installed by the GCPW shall be from sources certified by the Florida
Department of Transportation (FDOT), and shall meet all specifications set forth by FDOT.
3.2 Keeping the Road Open to Traffic
The work shall be performed in such a manner as to maintain at least one lane of traffic at all times or
use a GCPW approved detour route.
3.3 Traffic Control
GCPW shall furnish, install, maintain and remove all necessary traffic signs, barricades, lights, signals,
cones and other traffic control devices; and all flagging and other means of traffic protection and
guidance as required by the Standard Specifications of FDOT, and the MUTCD.
3.4 Construction Methods
All work performed for this project will be in accordance with FDOT Standard Specifications for
Construction of Roads and Bridges, Current Edition, and the Supplemental Specifications, Current
Edition, and attached modifications and special provisions.
3.5 Signs and Pavement Markings
GCPW will supply and install all signs, posts, hardware and pavement markings for each traffic
calming device.
Page 8 of 17
Appendix A – Petition for Traffic Calming Devices
Gadsden County Traffic Calming Program
1284 High Bridge Road
Quincy, FL 32351
We, the property owners residing along ___________________________________________, and
representing seventy-five (75%) or greater of the property owners residing along said road, do hereby
request that the Gadsden County Public Works Department begin the process of researching the need
for installing traffic calming devises along said road. We, the residents, understand that the Public
Works Department, upon completion of the data collection and research phase, will score the traffic
calming request in keeping with the scoring process identified in the Traffic Calming Program
pamphlet. The result of such scoring will place our request in the property priority order when
compare to other traffic calming requests within Gadsden County.
(Please note that the County’s Traffic Calming Program does not include installing traffic signals.)
Petition Submittal Date: __________________________________________________________
Contact Person, address, and phone: ________________________________________________
Property Owner’s Name
(please print)
Address w/Zip Code
(please print)
Phone
Signature
Page 9 of 17
Gadsden County
Board of County Commissioners
Neighborhood Traffic Management Program
1284 High Bridge Road
Quincy, FL 32351
(850)875-8672
Page 10 of 17
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Index No.
1
Introduction and General Standards
1.1
Function of the Gadsden County Traffic Calming Program
1.2
Street Classification
1.3
Legal Authority
1.4
Standardization of Application
Exhibit 1 Flow Chart
1.5
Traffic Calming Device Design
2
Program Elements
2.1
Speed Criteria
2.2
Establishment of a Special AssessmentPetition District
2.3
Petition for Traffic Calming Devices
2.4
Notice to Public; Hearing
2.5
Design Review
2.6
Costs of Special Improvements; Special assessment roll
2.67
Removal Process
3
General Construction Guidelines
3.1
Materials
3.2
Keeping the Road Open to Traffic
3.3
Traffic Control
3.4
Construction Methods
3.5
Signs and Pavement Markings
Appendix A PETITION FOR TRAFFIC CALMING DEVICES
Page No.
1
1
1
1
1
2
2
2
2
2
23
3
34
4
4
45
45
45
45
46
46
57
Page 11 of 17
1.
INTRODUCTION AND GENERAL STANDARDS
1.1 Function of the Gadsden County Traffic Calming Program
In response to numerous complaints about speeding problems in neighborhoods, the Gadsden County
Department of Public Works (GCPW) has studied other similar community traffic calming programs
along with other research on this topic. This research found that the Institute of Transportation
Engineers (ITE) completed a report for the Federal Highway Administration (FWHA) titled, Traffic
Calming: State of the Practice. This report contains several types of traffic calming devices and defines
traffic calming as follows: “Traffic calming is the combination of mainly physical measures that
reduce the negative effects of motor vehicle use, alter driver behavior and improve conditions for nonmotorized street users”. The information in this report is critical to this policy and shall be used as a
guide for any traffic calming device placed within this county. The above mentioned report is available
on the ITE bookstore online at www.ite.org. The following policy has been established for the citizens
of Gadsden County who wish to pursue the installation of traffic calming devices in their
neighborhoods. Refer to Exhibit 1, on page 2, as a guideline to be followed when considering the
installation of a traffic calming device.
1.2 Installation Considerations
GCPW will only consider installation of traffic calming devices on County roads open for vehicular
travel by the public located in the unincorporated area of the County in which the County owns the fee
or has an easement devoted to or required for use as a public transportation facility which are classified
as local, residential roads with a posted speed limit of 25 mph. Data obtained from traffic engineering
studies of physical and traffic related factors should be used in determining where traffic calming
devices are appropriate. Traffic engineering studies may indicate that traffic calming devices would be
unnecessary or unsafe at certain locations.
1.3 Legal Authority
Only the Gadsden County Board of County Commissioners can authorize the placement of a traffic
calming device and shall also have the authority to remove any traffic calming device as seen
necessary.
1.4 Standardization of Application
In keeping with the general recommendation of the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices
(MUTCD), uniformity aids in the recognition and understanding of traffic control devices. Therefore
strict adherence to the standards and guidelines outlined in this manual will help ensure that any given
traffic calming device installation will be equally recognizable and require the same action on the part
of the motorists regardless of where it is encountered.
Page 12 of 17
Exhibit 1 - Flow Chart
Property owner shows interest in a traffic calming device. (Sec. 1.1)
GCPW conducts a speed study and finds a speeding problem does exist. (Sec. 2.1)
GCPW creates an assessment petition district. (Sec. 2.2)
Property owner has petition signed with 75% or more of the property owners approve a traffic calming
device installed and GCPW verifies signatures with tax records. (Sec. 2.3)
Gadsden County Board of County Commissioners holds public hearing. (Sec. 2.4)
Gadsden County Board of County Commissioners approve placement of the traffic calming device.
(Sec. 2.5)
Gadsden County Board of County Commissioners assess all costs associated with the traffic calming
device as a non-ad valorem special assessment against all of the properties in the defined assessment
district in accordance with F.S. §§ 197.3631 and 197.3632. (Sec. 2.6)
1.5 Traffic Calming Device Design
GCPW will be responsible for having the new traffic calming device designed. The design for
roadways and other structures shall be in accordance with the American Association of State Highway
and Transportation Officials’ A Policy on Geometric Design of Highway and Streets (commonly
referred to as the AASHTO Green Book).
2.
PROGRAM ELEMENTS
2.1 Speed Criteria
GCPW traffic studies must find a speeding problem does exist. The speed study will provide the 85th
percentile speed, which must prove speeds are at least 10 mph over the posted speed limit of 25 mph.
The 85th percentile speed is an excellent indicator of street character and is used by nearly all states and
cities for establishing regulatory speed limits.
2.2 Establishment of an Assessment Petition District
If a road or road section meets or exceeds the speed criteria and meets the classification criteria,
GCPW will create an assessment petition district. The assessment petition district will consist of the
road with the device, all intersecting side roads and possibly other affected areas. Properties may be
excluded from the assessment petition district if it seems that such properties would receive no or only
a remote benefit from the effect of the traffic calming device.
Page 13 of 17
2.3 Petition for Traffic Calming Devices
If GCPW concludes that a speed problem exists as determined in 2.1, they will forward the traffic
calming proposal along with petition forms to the homeowner’s representative (Reference Appendix A
- Petition for Traffic Calming Devices). A properly executed petition is a generally accepted method to
effect a public action. The following rules and requirements, which will be included with the petition
forms, help ensure the fairness and integrity of the petition process:
The objective of the Gadsden County Traffic Calming Program is to provide property owners a process
to have traffic calming devices installed on County maintained neighborhood roads, where engineering
studies indicate that their use would meet the desired results of reducing neighborhood speeds and their
installation is favored by 75% of the homeowners in the assessment petition district.
To have a traffic calming device installed in Gadsden County, a petition must be submitted to GCPW.
All of the property owners in the defined assessment petition district shall be contacted and given
opportunity to sign this petition, indicating they want the installation of traffic calming devices. If the
area has an active Homeowner’s Association (HOA), the HOA must provide a letter endorsing the
installation of traffic calming features. If the lot is jointly owned, all owners must sign the petition in
order for the lot to count as an affirmative vote. A “Mr. and Mrs.” signature is not acceptable. All
owners must sign individually. This includes owners of undeveloped lots. Renting tenants are not an
acceptable substitute for the legal homeowner. No signature will be withdrawn from the petition after it
is filed with GCPW. The purpose of the witness’ signature is to verify the signatures of the property
owners. The percentages will be calculated, based on individual lots where owners’ sign affirmatively,
divided by the total number of lots in the defined assessment petition district. Each lot counts as only
one vote, regardless of the number of owners signing. At least 75% of the lots must vote in favor of the
traffic calming device before petitions can be reviewed by GCPW. Once the petition is signed and
returned to GCPW, it will be checked against tax records and land lot maps to ensure it meets all
requirements.
For subdivisions not completely built out, a minimum of 60% of the total units within the assessment
district must be occupied before a petition for the installation of traffic calming devices will be
considered, and a minimum of 80% of the total units must be occupied before a petition for the
removal of the devices will be considered.
2.4 Notice to public; hearing
Upon presentation of a petition which fully complies with section 2.3, the Board of County
Commissioners shall publish, at least once, in a newspaper of general circulation in the County, a
notice stating that at a regular meeting of the Board of County Commissioners on a certain day and
hour, to be held at least ten days after the first publication, the Board of County Commissioners will
hear all interested persons on the special improvements traffic calming devices proposed in the
petition. The notice shall state in general terms aprovide the location and description of the proposed
special improvementsdevices, the location, the estimated cost, and the description of the property
specially benefitted against which the special assessment is to be made. A copy of the notice shall be
mailed to the record title holders of the property specially benefittedwithin the petition district at the
address shown on the most recent county property appraiser's ad valorem tax assessment roll. Such
Page 14 of 17
notice shall be mailed at least 14 days prior to the public hearing. At the time designated in the notice,
the Board of County Commissioners shall hear all interested persons, and may then or thereafter reject
the petition, or order, by resolution, all or any part of the special improvements sought by such
petitionthe installation of the proposed traffic calming devices.
2.5 Design Review
If the Board of County Commissioners orders, by resolution, the special improvementsinstallation of
the traffic calming devices, GCPC will propose a design of the traffic calming devices for the Board of
County Commissioners’ consideration. After approval of the design by the Board of County
Commissioners, GCPW will install the traffic calming devices.
2.6 Costs of Special Improvements; Special assessment roll
All costs associated with the special improvements shall be assessed as a non-ad valorem special
assessment against all of the properties in the defined assessment district, which shall include all
properties which benefit from the special improvements. In imposing and assessing the non-ad
valorem special assessment, the County will employ the uniform method for the levy, collection, and
enforcement of non-ad valorem assessments set forth in F.S. §§ 197.3631 and 197.3632.
2.67 Removal Process
The removal of traffic calming devices shall be subject to the same requirements set forth in sections
2.2 – 2.56. A petition for removal will only be considered after traffic calming devices have been in
place for a period of at least one year.
3. GENERAL CONSTRUCTION GUIDELINES
3.1 Materials
All materials furnished and/or installed by the GCPW shall be from sources certified by the Florida
Department of Transportation (FDOT), and shall meet all specifications set forth by FDOT.
3.2 Keeping the Road Open to Traffic
The work shall be performed in such a manner as to maintain at least one lane of traffic at all times or
use a GCPW approved detour route.
3.3 Traffic Control
GCPW shall furnish, install, maintain and remove all necessary traffic signs, barricades, lights, signals,
cones and other traffic control devices; and all flagging and other means of traffic protection and
guidance as required by the Standard Specifications of FDOT, and the MUTCD.
Page 15 of 17
3.4 Construction Methods
All work performed for this project will be in accordance with FDOT Standard Specifications for
Construction of Roads and Bridges, Current Edition, and the Supplemental Specifications, Current
Edition, and attached modifications and special provisions.
3.5 Signs and Pavement Markings
GCPW will supply and install all signs, posts, hardware and pavement markings for each traffic
calming device.
3.6 Costs of Traffic Calming Device
All costs associated with the traffic calming device shall be assessed as a non-ad valorem special
assessment against all of the properties in the defined assessment district in accordance with F.S. §§
197.3631 and 197.3632.
Page 16 of 17
Appendix A – Petition for Traffic Calming Devices
Gadsden County Traffic Calming Program
1284 High Bridge Road
Quincy, FL 32351
We, the property owners residing along ___________________________________________, and
representing seventy-five (75%) or greater of the property owners residing along said road, do hereby
request that the Gadsden County Public Works Department begin the process of researching the need
for installing traffic calming devises along said road. We, the residents, understand that the Public
Works Department, upon completion of the data collection and research phase, will score the traffic
calming request in keeping with the scoring process identified in the Traffic Calming Program
pamphlet. The result of such scoring will place our request in the property priority order when
compare to other traffic calming requests within Gadsden County.
(Please note that the County’s Traffic Calming Program does not include installing traffic signals.)
Petition Submittal Date: __________________________________________________________
Contact Person, address, and phone: ________________________________________________
Property Owner’s Name
(please print)
Address w/Zip Code
(please print)
Phone
Signature
Page 17 of 17