Broward County Commission Regular Meeting
Director's Name: Trevor M. A. Fisher
Department: Public Works Division: Traffic Engineering
Information
Requested Action
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MOTION TO APPROVE Joint Participation Agreement between Broward County and the State of Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) for the maintenance, repairs and operation of School Zone Flashers and Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons (RRFBs) located on the State Highway System in Broward County, for a term of five years retroactively from Fiscal Year 2021/2022 to Fiscal Year 2025/2026, for a total maximum contribution by FDOT of $143,980 over the five years; and authorize Mayor and Clerk to execute same.
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Why Action is Necessary
Board of County Commissioners’ approval is required to enter into legal Agreements with The Florida Department of Transportation.
What Action Accomplishes
Allows Broward County to be reimbursed for expenses associated with maintaining, repairing, and operating School Zone Flashers and Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons (RRFBs) located on the State Highway System in Broward County.
Is this Action Goal Related
Yes
Previous Action Taken
None
Summary Explanation/Background
THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT/TRAFFIC ENGINEERING DIVISION RECOMMENDS APPROVAL OF THE ABOVE MOTION.
This action supports the Commission’s value of “cooperatively delivering an efficient and accessible regional intermodal transportation network,” and the goal to “provide a safe, sustainable, integrated, and efficient transportation system to enhance Broward County’s economy and livability,” as well as the goal to “support the development, design, and construction of sustainable, multi-modal transportation facilities throughout the County, to meet the demands of residents, travelers, and businesses.” The County’s operation and maintenance of School Zone Flashing Beacons and RRFBs on the State Highway System allows for the implementation of 15 mph reduced school speed zones and alerts drivers to the presence of pedestrians, including younger school children, on some of the highest volume, higher speed roadways throughout the County. These systems represent critical safety features for the non-motorized, often most vulnerable, users of our intermodal transportation system.
The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) previously reimbursed Broward County for operation and maintenance of School Zone Flashers on State roads through a Joint Participation Agreement that was originally approved by the Board of County Commissioners on December 9, 2008 (Item No. 81). For its own internal contract management purposes, FDOT allowed the previous agreement to expire on June 30, 2016. Since then, FDOT has developed a new standard form agreement for statewide use. The replacement agreement was approved on February 3, 2017 and expired on June 30, 2021. The new Joint Participation Agreement will reimburse Broward County up to $29,020 per year beginning July 1, 2021 (start of FDOT’s current Fiscal Year) for a term of five years, from FDOT Fiscal Year 2021/2022 to 2025/2026, for a total maximum reimbursement amount of $143,980. This funding level is slightly more than what was included in the prior agreement and also includes reimbursement for RRFBs that were not included in the prior agreement.
Funding availability from FDOT is also subject to annual appropriation by Florida Legislature. This funding will help support the ongoing maintenance of a new central school flasher programming and communication system that is currently being installed throughout the County.
As is the case with the FDOT Traffic Maintenance and Compensation Agreement, FDOT’s reimbursement to the County for its maintenance of School Zone Flashers and RRFBs may not fully compensate the County for all labor, materials, and other expenses that may be incurred during the performance of these services. The County also does not receive any reimbursement from the Broward County School District or any of the local municipalities for operation and maintenance of School Zone Flashers on local city streets. The County has historically accepted the responsibility for operation and maintenance of all School Zones Flashers throughout the County and operates one of the largest systems in the United States. The County has committed to further enhancing the school flasher system as part of the Mobility Advancement Program.
This agreement has been approved as to form by the Office of the County Attorney.
Source of Additional Information
Scott Brunner, P.E., Director, Traffic Engineering Division 954-847-2600
Trevor M. A. Fisher, P.E.,MBA, Director, Public Works Department 954- 357-6410
Fiscal Impact
Fiscal Impact/Cost Summary
The revenue is budgeted on an annual basis in the County Transportation Trust Fund in an escalating amount for a maximum of $29,020 per year, up to a maximum of $143,980 for the five-year term of the Joint Participation Agreement.