MINUTES

TRAFFIC COMMISSION MEETING

WEDNESDAY, October 6, 2010

Voting Members Present: Margaret Roberts, Don Spencer, Paul Steel, Roy Nutter, Chris Gluck, Betty McClain, Tony Barill, Andrea Saccorsi, Graham Kenneweg, Ken Martis

Non-Voting Members Present: Damien Davis, Lt. Mike Lantz, Frank Gmeindl, Christiaan Abildso

Members Absent:

MATTER OF BUSINESS:

Mr. Roy Nutter called meeting to order 6:30 pm.

PUBLIC COMMENTS:

Keith Henry of 124 Darst Street addressed the council about an issue of speeding cars on his street. He wanted the council to take into consideration the idea of putting a speed hump somewhere along the street or adding a stop sign.

There will be crosswalks going in there in the next few weeks. Speed humps were also already a tentative plan in the area. Lt. Mike Lantz said the issue would be addressed and police cars will be sent to the area more frequently to observe and take action.

MEETING MINUTES

The minutes pertaining to the climbing lane issue from September’s meeting were addressed. Details were left out of the minutes last time that Frank Gmeindl thought should have been included.

Don Spencer moved to approve minutes as amended. Betty McClain seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously.

BICYCLE BOARD:

Frank Gmeindl reviews Bicycle Board report.

Frank Gmeindl detailed accomplishments regarding 15 parking meters being put into place, website advancements, progress with billboards, bumper stickers, and other related matters.

Don Spencer stated the state needs to see dual reasons for a bike lane. Discussion ensued.

PEDESTRIAN SAFETY BOARD:

Christiaan Abildso reviewed information he had from Pedestrian Vehicle Accident Reports. Lt. Mike Lantz added that he is helping gather information on pedestrian accidents to help Christiaan Abildso with conclusive studies.

An issue was brought to attention regarding putting a crosswalk at Lincoln Hall. Sarah Cordinier, a student observing, spoke up and said there are speed bumps in the area but no crosswalk.

TRAFFIC CALMING SUB-COMMITTEE:

Chris Gluck reviews progress.

TRUCK TRAFFIC REPORT:

Andrea Soccorsi brought the issue of truck traffic and truck loads to the attention of the committee. Cathy Falvey, a citizen, had a slide show of pictures of trucks and their loads to emphasize the problem.

Roy Nutter suggested that Andrea Soccorsi attempt to rewrite the preexisting code on trucks to see if a more precise and clear understanding can be achieved.

MONTHLY UPDATES:

Damien Davis addressed painting of the curb on Colonial Dr. When weather permits, it will be taken care of.

Don Spencer made a request that the sight line on North Street be revisited and extended. Damien David responded that it’s on the agenda closer to spring. Don Spencer requested that it be done before winter for safety reasons.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS:

Listravia Avenue:

Damien Davis recommended again that a stop sign not be added to Listravia Street.

Paul Steel made a motion to deny stop sign at Doyle Street.

Paul Steel then removed motion.

Paul Steel motioned then to install a stop sign on Listravia Avenue. The motion was seconded by Tony Barill.

The motion was voted on. Five were in favor of installing, three were opposed.

Motion passed.

Western Avenue:

The issue to remove parking between Meriden and Harvard on Western because buses cannot easily get through was brought to attention by Damien Davis.

Tony Barill motioned to paint the line yellow so buses can get through and parking will not be allowed.

Don Spencer seconded the motion. All were in favor.

NEW BUSINESS:

The issue of a stop sign being placed on Meriden at the intersection of Western and Meriden was brought to attention. There are trees that complicate safety for vehicles turning from Meriden onto Western.

Damien Davis recommended denying request. He instead recommended contacting the property owner and cutting back the vegetation for better visibility.

No motion was made on the issue. Site issue caused by trees will be handled by administration.

Paul Steel brought to the attention of the committee a concern from a citizen passed on to him that a stop sign at Fairfield and Junior is now gone. Damien Davis said he would look into the issue and possible replacement of the sign.

COMMISSION COMMENTS:

Graham Kenneweg commented that the intersection of Grove and Willowdale has a slight incline that causes car screeching a disturbance. He recommended that the committee look into roughing the pavement at the incline to see if it helps fix the problem.

Frank Gmeindl had comments on “Share the Road” signs being put into place on Don Knotts Blvd. before a section of the rail trail in closed off in January. He agreed to give Damien Davis documentation from the state approving the signs to see if they can be installed in the near future.

Andrea Soccorsi commented on the traffic light on Beechurst and Fayette being out. Damien Davis said he will look into having it fixed.

Don Spencer made a comment that the parking on Prospect Street be switched to the opposite side of the street.

ADJOURNMENT:

Tony Barill moved to adjourn, Andrea Soccorsi seconded motion. Meeting adjourned at 8:40pm.