Commission Meeting Minutes

1. Discussion of Concerns Regarding Chula Vista Avenue

Mayor Pro Tem Kussard began by reminding everyone that there will be no audience participation at this workshop meeting, although public comment will be welcome when this item is placed on an agenda for a future regular Commission meeting. Mayor Pro Tem Kussard thanked the residents for their comments and suggestions regarding the traffic problem on Chula Vista. With new development on County Road 466 and Cherry Lake Road, this could cause an increase in traffic in this area. She stated the majority of the responses were in favor of keeping the La Zamora Gate open with some suggesting that the red button allowing non-residents entry through that gate be removed. Mayor Pro Tem Kussard asked the Town Attorney if it is possible to remove the red button.

Town Attorney Derek Schroth replied that he would have to verify who owns the right-of-way.

Commissioner Hannan made a motion that the meeting be adjourned, which was not seconded. He stated that it may set a precedent if continued. The other Commissioners were not in favor of this.

Public Works Director C.T. Eagle replied that it would be up to The Villages as it is on their right-of-way. He stated it is a publicly funded road.

After reviewing the GIS map, Mr. Schroth agreed that the gate is on The Villages property and it is at their discretion.

Commissioner Holden suggested installing more stop signs to slow down the traffic.

Commissioner Vincent questioned the authenticity of the map photo provided in the packet.

Town Manager Kris Kollgaard stated that Growth Management Director Thad Carroll pulled this map from the Lake County GIS map and it shows all the easements and right-of ways.

Mr. Schroth stated that Lake County is not obligated to provide certification of the GIS map, although they may provide an affidavit. He stated the Town most likely has a sealed set of survey or engineering plans of this area.

After further discussion, it was the consensus of the Commission to accept the GIS map as presented.

Mayor Richards confirmed with Mr. Eagle that a traffic engineer is present tonight to provide information. He asked Mr. Schroth what would be needed to vacate a portion of the property.

Mr. Schroth responded that the Town could take action to vacate; however, parties negatively affected by this may object and could bring a cause of action.

Mayor Pro Tem Kussard asked if the Town Manager could contact Richard Bair with The Villages and ask if it would be possible to remove the red button allowing non-residents to enter the La Zamora gate.

Mayor Pro Tem Kussard stated other suggestions were to install additional stop signs or speed bumps on Chula Vista. She stated she believed the engineer would have more information on whether the Uniform traffic codes which would need to be followed in order to install additional stop signs or speed bumps.

Mr. Richard Bush with Kimley-Horn & Associates, engineer, stated a traffic study would need to be done to find out what traffic control devices would be warranted or recommended at the suggested intersections and would be in accordance with applicable regulations.

Mayor Pro Tem Kussard stated other recommendations made were to have more police presence to issue tickets with hefty fines for speeders and keep the traffic device up that tells drivers what speed they are going. She stated this is a people problem more than a traffic problem.

Mayor Richards asked if the volume of accidents that occurred on Chula Vista was normal for this type of street.

Chief Robert Tempesta stated that the two-year tracking of accidents showed six accidents which is not considered major for this type of roadway.

Ms. Kollgaard asked Mr. Schroth whether it would be legal to cut off access to a public road on their property if the red button was removed.

Mr. Schroth replied that The Villages will have to approve removal of the red button since the gate is on their property.

Mayor Pro Tem stated that it seems to be the best way to resolve this issue. It would allow for residents-only entry, although anyone would be able to exit that gate. She asked again that Ms. Kollgaard reach out to The Villages.

Ms. Kollgaard replied that she would. She stated this will be brought back before the Commission as an agenda item to be voted on at a regular meeting.