Palm Coast City Council heard a resolution regarding a resolution to approve a contract with Kimley-Horn to conduct a residential speed limit study and an evaluation on Florida Park Drive during their Tuesday morning workshop meeting on January 9th, at 9am.

Three proposals were received and after review City Staff determined that Kimley-Horn was the most qualified for the project. Kimley-Horn would evaluate the speed differential on Florida Park Drive, as well as conducting traffic diversion evaluations, crash predication analysis, and a speed reduction evaluation. Council will need to approve the fee for the contract regarding the residential speed limit study for $63,248.05; as well as approve the fee for the contract with Kimley-Horn to perform the Florida Park Drive study for $33,745.10.

Carl Cody, Director of Stormwater and Engineering, explained that Palm Coast has never done a study on a stop sign study. Mayor Alfin raised concerns over spending $100,000 on studies. Pontieri countered that she raised this concern months ago when the subject first came up, why pay for studies when we know there are issues. She continued explaining that there are statutory requirements, and the study will help determine to if the city is allowed to lower speed limits. Klufas commented that by adding stop signs, the homes nearest the stop signs will actually see an increase in emissions, as it requires more energy to accelerate the vehicle than it does to keep the vehicle in motion.

Cody explained that first residential speed study which will cost $63,248.05 will be city wide, while the other study for $33,745.10 will be focused on Florida Park Drive. The Council asked to see other studies this company has done. Mayor Alfin commented that he feels the council should listen to residents. Council gave consensus to move forward with the contracts. Public comment was then opened up where residents talked about the amount of traffic on the roads, and why the city has to keep conducting studies instead of action. Other residents were concerned with noise, pollution; ultimately all the residents who spoke up want the traffic slowed down on Florida Park Drive.