MINUTES

TRAFFIC COMMISSION MEETING

WEDNESDAY, February 4, 2009

Voting Members Present: Peter Schuster, Don Spencer, Graham Kenneweg, Paul Steel, Roy Nutter, Chris Gluck, Betty McClain, Dennis Bidwell

Non-Voting Members Present: Lt. Mike Lantz, Damien Davis, Terry Hough

Members Absent: Tony Barill, Ken Martis

MATTER OF BUSINESS:

Roy Nutter Called to order 6:30

Dennis Bidwell made a motion to approve the minutes from the January 7^th meeting. Betty McClain seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously.

BICYCLE BOARD:

Don Spencer gave report for Bicycle Board. Don Spencer stated that he and the Bicycle Board Chair will be meeting with Dr. Ron Eck to discuss application of experimentation with WVDOH for shared bike lane markings.

Pedestrian Safety Board:

Roy Nutter opened discussion on Pedestrian Safety Plan. Christiaan Abildso, 16 Wabash Street, spoke for Pedestrian Safety Board. Christiaan Abildso reviewed the Pedestrian Safety plan and discussed financing issues.

Dennis Bidwell moved that the Traffic Commission accept the Morgantown Pedestrian Safety plan as submitted by the Pedestrian Safety Board and forward it to the City Council for their consideration and action with the recommendation that the Neighborhood Sidewalk and Safer City service Fee NOT be approved or implemented as outlined in section ten of the plan. Peter Schuster seconded the motion.

Don Spencer stated that the City Manager specifically requested a financial plan be included in the Pedestrian Safety Plan.

Chris Gluck stated he thought there were four options that the City Manager gave the Pedestrian Safety Board to choose from.

Christiaan Abildso stated that there were four options.

Discussion ensued.

Peter Schuster, Dennis Bidwell, Paul Steel, and Betty McClain, voted yes.

Don Spencer voted no.

Graham Kenneweg abstained.

Motion Passed with a Four to one vote.

Traffic Calming Sub-Committee:

Dave McKain, 145 Hoffman Ave., spoke for the WHNA on Traffic Calming. Dave McKain, described the issues the WHNA has with the streets in there neighborhood. The WHNA has created a Sub-Committee to discuss the possibilities of Traffic Calming in the Wiles Hill area. This Sub-Committee has surveyed the neighborhood to get the opinion of the residents of the area. Dave McKain reviewed different options for traffic calming on certain streets. These options have been given to Roy Nutter. Roy Nutter will distribute these to the TC and the Engineering Department.

Monthly Updates:

Terry Hough reviewed Monthly Updates.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS:

None

NEW BUSINESS:

University Ave: WVDOH would like to take back over the maintenance of University Avenue from 705 to Star City Corporation line.

Don Spencer stated that there was a downside to giving the maintenance of University Ave back to WVDOH. We should have a say in what happens to the roads inside our city limits. If we gave the maintenance back to the WVDOH would we have any say in what would happen? Discussion ensued.

Chris Gluck moved to recommend WVDOH be given back the maintenance of University Avenue from Rt. 705 to Star city Corporate Line with recommending support of at least two projects in this area. First we support developing a right-turn lane at University Avenue onto Rt. 705 toward the Coliseum. Second we support the development of a traffic circle or roundabout at Collins Ferry, University and Baldwin as recommended in the MPO plan (circa 2007). Dennis Bidwell seconded the motion. Motion Passed Unanimously.

COMMISSION COMMENTS:

Chris Gluck stated that he was interested in the information on policies regarding stop signs at “T” intersections.

Don Spencer stated that he would also like to review the policies regarding stop signs at “T” intersections

Paul Steel stated that he supports the Pedestrian Plan but does not support the funding plan.

Pete Schuster stated that the Traffic Commission should not be involved with funding issues.

Roy Nutter stated concerns regarding parking in Suncrest during basketball games.

PUBLIC COMMENTS:

Lisa Milice, 211 Willey Street Apt. 202, discussed snow on roads.

Angela Wiley, 17 Nordic Drive, Vice President of Pedestrian Safety Board, expressed her opinion of the Pedestrian Safety Plan.

ADJOURNMENT:

Dennis Bidwell moved to adjourn. Betty McClain seconded motion. Meeting adjourned at 8:00pm