Minutes
Traffic Commission Meeting
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Voting Members Present: Chris Gluck, Margaret Roberts, Paul Steel, Roy Nutter, Don Spencer, Ken Martis
Non-Voting Members Present: Damien Davis, Lt. Mike Lantz, Frank Gmeindl, Christiaan Abildso
Members Absent: Graham Kenneweg, Betty McClain, Tony Barill, Andrea Soccorsi
MATTER OF BUSINESS: Roy Nutter called meeting to order at 6:36 P.M.
PUBLIC COMMENTS: (none)
MEETING MINUTES:
Margaret Roberts moved to approve October Minutes. Paul Steel seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously.
BICYCLE BOARD:
Frank Gmeindl reviews Bicycle Board report.
Recommends appointing Ryan Post to replace Don Dickerson in member position.
Chris Gluck motioned to appoint Ryan Post. Don Spencer
seconded the motion.
Motion passed unanimously.
Frank Gmeindl detailed accomplishments of Bicycle Board,
including the creation of business cards, monthly published articles in the
Dominion Post, commercials on Channel 15, website work, etc.
Frank Gmeindl informed the committee that the Bicycle Board has been working
with a number of departments to replace the grates on Beechurst and Mon. Blvd.
for better bike safety.
A comprehensive bike plan is in the works.
Frank Gmeindl showed a video on “bike boulevards” to give examples on how to increase bicycle growth in the Morgantown area. The link for the video is below, as well as a link to a similar project in Pittsburgh, PA.
http://www.treehugger.com/files/2010/12/bike-only-boulevards.php
http://www.streetfilms.org/journey-to-pittsburgh-to-walk-bike/
PEDESTRIAN SAFETY BOARD:
Christiaan Abildso reviews progress.
Christiaan Abildso recommended the snow removal policy be revised for the city.
Discussion ensued.
Don Spencer said the issue would have to be taken up with Council, and the City Attorney would need to be consulted. Issue will be under further discussion after researched.
The issue of the crosswalks and ways to better enforce and highlight the area on High Street and other similar streets was discussed. No motions made.
TRAFFIC CALMING REPORT:
Chris Gluck reviewed the project list for 2011.
Damien Davis read through and prioritized list.
Discussion ensued. An estimate of ten streets will be looked at. Damien Davis will gather information and report back at next scheduled meeting.
Don Spencer motioned to talk to City Manager about signage for speed humps.
Motion seconded by Chris Gluck. Motion passed.
MONTHLY UPDATES:
The DOH and WVU are setting up a meeting to discuss issues concerned the Mon. Blvd. Bicycle Lane. More information will be available at next scheduled Traffic Commission Meeting if DOH and WVU meet before then.
The Caperton Trail (from Deckers Creek south) is scheduled to be closed on February 1, 2011 and reopen July 31, 2011.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS: (none)
NEW BUSINESS:
Damien Davis discussed new business.
New traffic signal is being proposed by WVU at the Health
Science Intermodal Facility and Applebee’s Restaurant Intersection.
The traffic signal would be funded by WVU. Discussed ensued on whether the city
would take over maintenance on the intersection after project completion.
Discussion ensued about details of the project, including if there can be a
sidewalk path put into place for pedestrian safety and whether the light would
operate 24/7 or just during the hours most needed.
Ken Martis made a motion to recommend that the Traffic Signal not be a 24/7 light and that a crosswalk and sidewalk be put into place as well.
Motion seconded by Paul Steel.
Don Spencer recommended the motions be separated.
Ken Martis modified his original motion into three parts.
Motioned for the light to not be 24/7, that there be a Pedestrian activation system for the light, and if magnetic strips are used for light change that a strip be put into place that is also activated by bicycles.
Motion seconded by Chris Gluck.
Discussion ensued about the sidewalk path.
Ken Martis motioned to send a recommendation to connect a sidewalk and make a path for pedestrian safety.
Don Spencer seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously.
COMMISSION COMMENTS:
Don Spencer made a reminder that the Killarny/Colonial intersection still has not been painted.
Also would like to negotiate with DOH on bridge maintenance within the city. The issue will be on the agenda for the next scheduled meeting.
Paul Steel commented that there is no crosswalk at Lincoln Avenue. He recommended that WVU put one there.
Paul Steel also recommended that the yellow line be extended at the intersection of Cobun and Grand Street.
Christiaan Abildso commented and said the update on the campus connector will be discussed at the next meeting. Also, a discussion for next meeting should be held about the Mon. Blvd. parking issue on the shoulder (from light towards Star City) and possible solutions to avoid injuries.
ADJOURNMENT:
Margaret Roberts motioned to adjourn meeting. Paul Steel seconded the motion.
Meeting adjourned at 8:37 P.M.