MINUTES

TRAFFIC COMMISSION MEETING

WEDNESDAY, January 7, 2009

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

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

Members Absent: Peter Schuster, Tony Barill, Terry Hough

MATTER OF BUSINESS:

Roy Nutter Called to order 6:30

BICYCLE BOARD:

Don Spencer gave report for Bicycle Board. Next meeting will be discussing plan for educational program using grant from Department of Transportation.

Discussion Ensued.

Pedestrian Safety Board:

Roy Nutter opened discussion on Pedestrian Safety Plan. Christian, 16 Wabash Street, spoke for Pedestrian Safety Board. Christian stated that the PSB has worked through the changes given to them by Engineering, WVU and surrounding neighborhoods. PSB meeting on January 26, 2009 will be to discuss changes and finalize PSP before next Traffic Commission meeting.

Discussion Ensued.

Traffic Calming Sub-Committee:

Roy Nutter spoke for the Traffic Calming Sub-Committee. Wiles hill is still reviewing Traffic Calming Plan.

Monthly Updates:

Roy Nutter reviewed Monthly Updates. Willowdale Road has been moved to Traffic Calming.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS:

NEW BUSINESS:

Stop Sign: Tom Horton on Melrose Street requested a Stop Sign be placed on Melrose Street at the intersection of Melrose Street and Afton Street

Dave McKain, 145 Hoffman Ave, spoke regarding Stop sign on Melrose Street at Afton Street. Mr. McKain stated that the Wiles Hill Neighborhood Association is currently working on a master plan for the area which will be presented to the neighborhood associate. This stop sign location will be in this master plan.

John Duarte, 460 Grove Street, indicated that he had addressed the issue of a stop sign which he believed was there previously. He also indicated that stop signs in the neighborhood were not compliant with the MUTCD regulations and feels a stop sign should be placed on Melrose Street at Afton Street.

Paul Steel questioned whether this was a “T” intersection. Don Spencer responded that it was.

Discussion Ensued

John Duarte stated that WV had adopted the MUTCD 2003 edition and gave explanations of different types of streets (collector, arterial) and the relation to the areas of Afton Street, Highland Ave, and Virginia Avenue. He also stated there was a stop sign placed on Virginia Ave to slow down traffic but also adheres to the regulations which is placing a stop sign at a “T” intersection

Discussion ensued.

John Duarte stated there is a stop sign at Afton and Grove and the technical reason for that to be is that they are two collector streets that intersect so they meet and in that case that would be the reason you would have a stop sign because there are two similar streets.

Lt. Lantz recommended that the stop sign be installed.

Discussion ensued.

Don Spencer moved to install stop sign on Melrose at Afton. Ken seconded motion.

Paul Steel stated that the Traffic Commission has denied stop signs at other “T” intersections. There were three by Morgantown High School. Mr. Steel also stated that it the High School was not a high traffic area then what was? “We’ve denied three stop sighs in the last six months because it was a “T” intersection. So for that reason only, I will vote against this.”

Discussion ensued.

Motion passed. Don Spencer, Chris Gluck, Betty McClain, Dennis Bidwell, Ken Martis Voted Yes. Paul Steel Voted No.

COMMISSION COMMENTS:

Dennis Bidwell would like clarification on Stop Sign Policy regarding “T” intersections.

Chris Gluck would like clarification on Stop Sign Policy regarding “T” intersections.

Don Spencer passes along request to place traffic sign saying “merging traffic please be courteous” on Beechurst Ave. Request given to Engineering Department for follow up.

PUBLIC COMMENTS:

Dave McKain, 145 Hoffman Ave, stated that he classified the streets when working on the survey and traffic calming in the Wiles Hill area.

John Duarte, 460 Grove Street, discussed several issues the City of Morgantown has regarding signage regulations and maintaining those signs. He indicated he had surveyed 45 intersections and half were lacking street signs and also stated he gave this list with photos to the City Manager and Engineering Department. He also explained after submitting this list there has been progressive work on installing these signs, but notes that the city needs to take a more proactive role in this area of street signs. He went on to state that stop signs are not being placed properly and should be plum and should also be six feet in height, and signs are too close to intersections according to regulations. He indicated that he brought up the issue of stop signs with the City Engineering Department and also feels there is a lack of records for stop signs should be placed. He feels that first thing the policy needs to state is which streets are major and which streets are minor.

ADJOURNMENT:

Dennis Bidwell moved to adjourn. Betty McClain seconded motion. Meeting adjourned 8:30.