Before:
Improvements In-Process:
REGULAR MEETING
FEBRUARY 12, 2007
5:00 P.M.
SPRING
STREET BRIDGE
:
Jim Blackwell, BNC Engineering, gave a brief synopsis on the Spring Street Bridge and the future transportation plans on the north side of town. There are two existing bridges and one proposed new bridge. Existing bridges N. Spring St. Bridge and Broad St. Bridge and the proposed new bridge will cross Comanche Creek from N. Spring St. to W. Pontotoc St. (referred to in plans as the Pontotoc Bridge). Mr. Blackwell stated the Pontotoc Bridge should be in service in approximately 2-3 years. The Broad St. Bridge is in need of repair to bring it up to current standards, and because it is an historical structure, it will be renovated into a pedestrian bridge. The N. Spring Street Bridge when constructed was put together with material available at the time. Mr. Blackwell stated the City has three alternatives:
Alternative: Cost:
1. Pedestrian Bridge $7,500
2. Load Restricted Vehicular Access $28,000 to $30,000
3. Removal and Replacement $300,000 to $400,000
Of the Bridge
Alternative #1: The most economical solution for the Spring St. Bridge. It leaves the bridge open to pedestrian traffic only. However, it does not resolve the restrictions the Bridge has presented on the free flow of drainage through the channel.
Alternative #2: The largest problem with restricted bridges is that people rarely understand how much their vehicle really weights and thus, violate these restrictions. As previous mentioned, this bridge has been constructed with material available at the time and this alternative would continue that mode of construction and maintenance. If the bridge is reconstructed it would be such that the width of the structure would be approximately 11 feet wide. This width would still allow for smaller vehicles to pass over.
Alternative #3: TX DOT could replace the bridge under the Federal Replacement Program if (1) the City were to agree to participate in the program with their share of matching funds (10%), and (2) if the bridge were to be declassified as being historically significant. In order to resolve some of the hydraulic/drainage problems within this area, it would require the N. Spring St. Bridge be removed and replaced. However, that cannot be accomplished due to the historical significance of the bridge.
Commissioner Burges stated as the city pursues the bridge issues we continue to remember that another problem along N. Spring Street is drainage during rains.
Commissioner Reardon is concerned that if the bridge is opened back to vehicular use citizens will drive over the bridge no matter what.
Tommie Campbell stated the city will need to consider the liability for opening the bridge back up to vehicles. The only logical thing is to make it a pedestrian bridge.
MOTION: Commissioner Velez made the motion to choose Alternative #2 making N. Spring St. Bridge a Load Restricted Vehicular Access bridge. Mayor Hinckley called for a second. No second made, Mayor Hinckley declared the motion dead.
MOTION: Commissioner Reardon made the motion to choose Alternative #1 making N. Spring St. Bridge a Pedestrian Access Only bridge. Commissioner Burges seconded the motion. Mayor Hinckley called for discussion. There being none he would call for a vote by show of right hand. In favor: Commissioner Reardon, Commissioner Vacek, Commissioner Burges and Mayor Hinckley. Opposed: Commissioner Velez. Motion Carried 4-1.
REGULAR MEETING
NOVEMBER 13, 2006
5:05 P.M.
SPRING
STREET BRIDGE
:
A year ago the Spring Street Bridge was damaged due to a vehicular accident. Subsequently the bridge has been closed and taken out of service. The City Commission is being requested to consider an agreement with BNC Engineering to perform a detailed inspection of the Spring Street Bridge, prepare working drawings of the bridge, develop alternate plans and discuss them with TXDOT, develop cost estimates for alternate plans, and present that information to the City Commission. The cost for BNC to do this is $1,850 and they should be able to complete this phase within 45 days after notification. A new bridge is currently being designed by TXDOT that will align Spring Street with Pontotoc Street and will by pass the traffic from the down town area. In the interim period, the City is looking at the effort and costs it might take to reopen the Spring Street Bridge. Jim Blackwell contacted TXDOT and was told that TXDOT might be willing to reopen the bridge if the City could bring the structure up to standards that TXDOT could approve. Approximate cost for steel reinforcement replacement and guard rails $30,000 to $60,000. Commissioner Burges asked why Spring Street Bridge was being looked at first prior to Balsam Street since the Commission voted on 11-14-05 to work on Balsam Street Bridge first. Commissioner Velez indicated she initiated contact with Blackwell Engineers because constituents in District 2 feel like it has been dropped by the city. Commission Velez stated her intent is not to take away from the historical aspect of any bridge. The City is asking Blackwell Engineering to complete the first step on the engineering services required to place the bridge back in service.
MOTION: Commissioner Velez made the motion to allow Jim Blackwell to proceed with engineering services and come back in 45 days with proposal. Commissioner Vacek seconded the motion. Mayor Hinckley called for discussion. Commissioner Burges express concerns that are recorded on permanent tape. Mayor Hinckley stated if there was no further discussion he would call for a vote by show of right hand. In favor: Commissioner Vacek, Commissioner Velez and Mayor Hinckley. Opposed: Commissioner Burges. Motion Carried 3-1.
SPECIAL MEETING
DECEMBER 15, 2005
2:00 P.M.
TXDOT/SPRING ST. BRIDGE, N. SPRING ST. /BALSAM ST. BRIDGE AND
BROAD ST. BRIDGE.
Mayor Hinckley stated to the public that Mr. Howard Lyons, TXDOT Engineer for Mason, was requested to come to Mason and discuss with the Commission the status on the Spring St. Bridge, Broad Street Bridge and the proposed N. Spring Street Bridge and Balsam St. Bridge, and the work the city might do to offset their portion of the costs. The intent of this meeting is to receive public input and then adjourn to review the sites with Mr. Lyons.
Mr. Lyons stated to the Commission that the present objective is to begin sometime after the fist of the year with surveyors in the area of N. Spring and Balsam St. and also in the area of the Spring St. Bridge. He stated the Broad St. Bridge will need to have repairs made, even to allow it to be designated a walking bridge.
Sally Capps asked Mr. Lyons how the State can remove and rebuild Spring St. Bridge when it is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. Mr. Lyons stated the office searched the data base on the Bridge and was unable to locate a listing on the Spring St. Bridge. Ms. Capps stated it has been in the National Register for approximately fifteen years. She gave Mr. Lyons a copy of a letter dated August 5, 2002 stating the Spring Street Bridge is a contributing element in the Historical District. Mr. Lyons stated that an error in stating its location may be the reason why it was not located in their data base and he would research it further once returning to Austin. Mr. Lyons did state that if the bridge is not listed in the register they will precede with the plans laid out
, but if it is listed TXDOT will have to reconsider the alternatives in dealing with a Historic Bridge. Commissioner Reardon stated that if the City has to repair the bridge it should be made into a pedestrian bridge. Ms. Capps presented to Mr. Lyons and the Commission demographics on the N. Spring St. /Balsam Street Bridge. She stated building this bridge would be a link to the North side as Rainey St. is to the South side. Her recommendation is to build the bridge and see how it works
, then follow through on the Spring Street Bridge as a pedestrian/bike bridge.
Items discussed with the public regarding the N. Spring St. /Balsam St. Bridge consisted of the widening of the area on N. Spring and Balsam St. for entrance and exit, the increase of traffic concentrated in the bridge area and who will finance the bridge and pay for the land or right-of-way areas if required. Mr. Lyons stated the entrance and exit to the bridge area will not go further than 100 ft. (making entrance on both sides 50 feet). Commissioner Velez asked about the funding for the bridge. Mr. Lyons stated the Federal participation is 80%, State’s 10% and the City’s 10%. Spring St. Bridge would cost approximately $350,000 (if reconstructed completely) and the N. Spring St. Bridge would be approximately $750,000. Mr. Lyons stated the City’s payment portion can be work offsets towards repairs or construction on other bridges within the city. TXDOT will review the designated bridges, taking into account that priories follow school bus routes.
Commissioner Velez asked Mr. Lyons if previously there was a priority for the Spring St. Bridge pathway and emergency crossover to the area. Wouldn’t an emergency warrant a rebuilding of the bridge? Mr. Lyons stated their study indicated it is not an emergency repair, an emergency is if the bridge is totally washed out and it is the only contact to residents for miles. Citizens asked the Commission if the city is going to compensate the residents if land is needed for the right-of-ways. Mayor Hinckley stated the areas have not been surveyed to indicate any residential area that will be affected.
Commissioner Reardon stated that the Broad Street Bridge is a Historical Bridge and the process for renovating the bridge for a bike and pedestrian bridge will be slow due to the City will have to go through the Historical Commission process
, as well as on the Spring Street Bridge if it is considered historic. The question was asked ‘What is the process we are looking at to the completion of the N. Spring St. /Balsam St. Bridge?’ Mr. Lyons stated the N. Spring St. /Balsam St. Bridge will take approximately 24 to 30 months to complete. The Spring St. Bridge relies on the research on the Historical Register and the engineer study noting the damage to the structure. Ms. Gillespie asked the Commission how much the City is willing to spend to get the Spring St. Bridge back up. It was noted that the budget reflects approximately $100,000 for bridge and street repairs and at this time the City will have to wait on the Historical and engineer review. John Schafft stated
, if the City repairs the Spring St. Bridge it will only help a few people because the current load limit is 5,000 lbs. which eliminates all vehicles except cars under the weight limit. Mr. Kemp stated that the wood used on the bridge and rails was cypress and asked, will it be replaced with that?
Question was asked that if the City is going to off-set funds and work to repair other bridges within the City
, which bridges are being reviewed. Mayor Hinckley stated the City is still negotiating several sites with TXDOT. Mr. Lyons reminded the public the off-set match repairs are best on a bridge that is on a bus route. Ms. Burges asked about the low water crossing at Robin St. in association to a private school in the area that does use this crossing. Mr. Lyons stated that request would have to be reviewed and he would get back to the City along with other proposals. Commissioner Hahn stated the bridge on N. Ave F is a high use bridge and is on the bus route and a bridge to consider action on.
Mayor Hinckley asked if there were further comments from the Commission or the public. Mr. Schafft asked if all of the 30 M.P.H. signs have been placed. Mayor Hinckley stated the streets requiring the signs have been dealt with, but if the Commission notices any other streets please notify Joe Martinez. Also, Mr. Martinez has ordered stop signs and they are to be placed as requested by Law Enforcement or the City Commission. Commissioner Reardon asked Mr. Lyons if the State would study RR1871 which begins off the square on El Paso St. with a speed limit listed at 40 M.P.H. until Martin St. and then increases to 45 M.P.H. until one leaves the city limits. Entering the city limits from RR 1871 has a posted speed of 45 M.P.H. until Martin St. and then it decreases to 40 M.P.H. Also, the traffic leaving the Square on St. Hwy 386 has posted 40 M.P.H. until you reach the double S curve and that slows to 15 M.P.M. resuming back to 40 M.P.H. until you reach the hill past Waxwing St. and the speed increases to 50 M.P.H. until one leaves the city limits. Returning to Mason City Limits from Fredonia the speed limit is 50 M.P.H. until Waxwing St. and the decreases to 40 M.P.H. to the Square. St. Hwy 386 and RR 1871 travel through residential areas of the city as well as a school zone, on RR 1871, and is only listed as 30 M.P.H. during designated times of the day. The city would like a consideration of lower speed limits in the residential areas on these streets.
REGULAR MEETING
FEBRUARY 13, 2006
RESOLUTION 5:09 / SPRING STREET BRIDGE:
City Administrator Mr. Leamons stated that at the last meeting Commissioner Velez requested a resolution be presented requesting a determination from the Texas Historical Commission on the standing of the Spring Street Bridge over Koock's Branch. Mayor Hinckley stated a resolution is provided for review.
Jane Hoerster and Sally Capps asked the Commission exactly what are they requesting from the Texas Historical Commission. Mayor Hinckley stated that before the city can proceed with the bridge projects, they need to know the status of the bridge with the Texas Historical Commission. He then read the proposed resolution. Commissioner Hahn asked that the resolution clearly state if the structure can be replaced Commissioner Hahn is requesting the last paragraph be changed to: The City Commission further requests that the review be conducted in a timely manner and that the Texas Historical Commission determine the possibility of replacement in the current location. Mayor Hinckley asked if there was further discussion on the proposed resolution. If not he would call for a motion. Commissioner Hahn made the motion to adopt Resolution #06-207 with the changes identified. Commissioner Reardon seconded the motion. Mayor Hinckley called for discussion. There being none he would call for a vote by show of right hand. In favor: all. Opposed: none. Motion Carried 5-0.
Mayor Hinckley stated he had visited with Howard Lyons, Area TXDOT Engineer, regarding the possibility of locating a bridge beside the Broad Street Bridge and some of the concerns of Commissioner Velez. He asked Mr. Lyons, “when the survey/engineering crews are in Mason to begin the work on the Comanche Creek Bridge between W. Spring and Balsam St., would it be possible for them to also do a rough and preliminary 'survey' of the site just north of the old Broad St. Bridge. That is the only other suggested location to span the creek, and the question has been raised whether it might be a better or shorter route.” Mr. Lyons responded: “as far as the engineering survey, I would prefer to not perform the additional survey adjacent to the existing Broad Street Bridge. It is an unnecessary expense for the department. In my professional judgment the two bridges would be near identical in length. In addition, the consultant design engineer mentioned that putting the two bridges in such close proximity, exactly where the two creeks are converging, would create a large amount of hydraulic inefficiency or 'drag'. Debris would be more likely to hang up if the bridges are in such close proximity, thereby creating even more 'drag'. It could be very detrimental to the historic Broad Street structure and unnecessarily accelerate its aging process; there by increasing the City's maintenance cost.”
RESOLUTION 06-207
A RESOLUTION REQUESTING A DETERMINATION FROM THE TEXAS HISTORICAL COMMISSION REGARDING THE STATUS OF THE SPRING STREET BRIDGE OVER KOOCK’S BRANCH.
Whereas, the City of Mason is responsible for maintaining the streets within the City that are not part of the TXDOT system; and,
Whereas, the Spring Street Bridge over Koock’s Branch has been a vital part of the City’s street system, but for various reasons recently has been closed to traffic; and,
Whereas, the City Commission passed a resolution on November 14, 2005 indicating the City’s intention to work with TXDOT to have a new bridge constructed on Spring Street in place of the existing bridge; and,
Whereas, TXDOT put the proposed Spring Street Bridge project on indefinite hold because of a letter originated by the Texas Historical Commission on August 5, 2002 identifying the Spring Street Bridge as being “LISTED in the National Register of Historic Places as a contributing element of the Mason Historic District”;
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF MASON, TEXAS;
The City Commission requests that the Texas Historical Commission review the historical standing of the Spring Street Bridge over Koock’s Branch to determine whether or not that structure can be replaced; and,
The City Commission further requests that the review be conducted in a timely manner, the Texas Historical Commission determine the possibility of replacement in the current location and that the results of the study be forwarded to:
Mr. Howard Lyons, P.E. and Mr. Michael Leamons
TXDOT Area Engineer City Administrator
3029 E. SH 29 P. O. Box 68
Burnet, TX 78611 Mason, TX 76856
PASSED and APPROVED this 13th day of February, 2006.