MINUTES

TRAFFIC COMMISSION MEETING

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2004

Voting Members Present: Ron Eck, Chris Gluck, Graham Kenneweg, Mary Ann Liberatore, Ken Martis, Roy Nutter, Don Spencer, Paul Steel, Buffy Vehse

Non-Voting Members Present: Terry Hough, Jeff Thorne

Members Absent: Sharon Semans

ELECTION OF OFFICERS:

Nomination of Ron Eck as Chairman of the Traffic Commission.

Motion by Roy Nutter and second by Ken Martis to appoint Ron Eck as Chairman of the Traffic Commission. Motion passed unanimously.

Nomination of Roy Nutter as Vice Chairman of the Traffic Commission.

Motion by Ken Martis and second by Mary Ann Liberatore to close the nominations for Vice Chairman. Motion passed unanimously.

Motion by Graham Kenneweg and second by Don Spencer to appoint Roy Nutter as Vice Chairman of the Traffic Commission. Motion passed unanimously.

MATTER OF BUSINESS:

Minutes from the June, 2004 meeting were approved as distributed.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS:

Status Report on Riverview Drive, Sheldon Avenue, and Dogwood Avenue: Terry Hough reported that traffic studies were completed on Riverview Drive, Sheldon and Vandalia and that there was not a speeding problem on Riverview Drive, Dogwood Avenue or Vandalia Road. Terry further reported that counters were placed on Sheldon Avenue and were destroyed. She stated that because of this the traffic study could not be conducted. Ms. Hough reported that 2 new counters were ordered but, did not arrive until after school was out.

Don Spencer inquired as to what constitutes a speeding problem.

Terry stated that it was 5 miles over the speed limit or 30 miles per hour.

Mr. Spencer stated that he received 10 e-mails saying contrary to what the study concludes. He also stated that he feels the counters were not accurate and requested that the speed display unit be placed on Riverview.

Terry stated that she can only go by data received on the counters from April 26, 2004 to April 28, 2004.

Mary Ann Liberatore asked Mr. Spencer if there was a specific time frame in which the speeding was occurring.

Mr. Spencer stated that no specific time frame was given to him.

Mary Ann Liberatore stated that we should get more specific information such as license numbers of the speeding vehicles and the time frame in which the speeding occurs.

Mr. Spencer stated he would ask the concerned citizens for this information.

Ron Eck asked Jeff Thorne if the Traffic Display Unit recorded the speeds.

Mr. Thorne stated it did not.

Mr. Spencer stated that in August of last year, the residents on Riverview was divided about the installation of traffic calming devices. He said that the citizens on the end near the WVU Presidents house wanted the devices, and those closer to University Avenue did not want them. He stated that there is no additional information at this time and that we request additional information from the citizens.

Ron Eck wanted to clarify that what the study indicates is that 85% of the drivers were driving at or below the same speed, not necessarily at the speed limit, and that 15% were going faster than the norm.

Don Spencer inquired as to where the counters were placed on Dogwood Avenue.

Ron stated that he wasn’t certain but, he thought it was between Aspen and Killarney.

Request from Stephen Tanner for Traffic Mirror at Intersection of Charles Avenue and Johnson Avenue: Terry Hough reported that there was not a pole available at the intersection to place a mirror on. She said the closest pole was off Johnston to left going onto Charles. She stated that there was approximately 4 feet of sidewalk and large rocks on the property there to stabilize it. The overhanging tree will be cleared. Another option would be to remove parking at the intersection. She stated that with the exception of one house all others in the area have either a garage or a driveway. Terry said removing the parking would allow about 77 feet of area. Per City standards parking spaces are 22 feet so it would equal approximately 3 spaces but in reality with the compact cars it would equal 4 spaces. Terry stated that another option would be to change Johnson to one-way from Charles to Louise.

Graham Kenneweg stated that he had a residence on Ridgeway and was very familiar with the area and that it was very dangerous.

Mary Ann Liberatore questioned the possibility of a stop sign. She was informed that it would not be feasible.

Buffy Vehse stated that she goes from Charles onto Johnson quite frequently and vision is definitely a problem.

Mary Ann Liberatore asked how we would proceed to change Johnson to one-way from Charles to Louise.

Ron Eck stated that we would need to have a public hearing on the matter.

Paul Steel said that he felt changing it to one-way would be better than eliminating the parking.

Graham Kenneweg said that the condition only worsens in the winter.

Roy Nutter wanted to know if sight clearing would be enough to put up the stop sign. Terry said that she does not recommend stop signs on Johnson Avenue.

Motion by Mary Ann Liberatore and second by Roy Nutter to hold a public hearing on changing Johnson Avenue to one-way from Charles Avenue to Louise Avenue, and to notify the residents of the area prior to the next meeting. Motion passed unanimously.

Roy Nutter wanted to know if changing Johnson to one-way would increase parking on Johnson.

Terry Hough stated that it would not increase parking because Johnson is too narrow.

Buffy Vehse asked how we would advertise the special meeting.

Terry informed her that we would advertise on our web site, and that it was not necessary to advertise. However, if the Traffic Commission agrees to change Johnson to one-way Council would have to do it by ordinance. The Council would have to advertise the public hearing in the newspaper.

Intermodal Facility: Ron Eck stated that during the last meeting the Traffic Commission had a presentation from Buchart Horn in reference to the proposed intermodal facility for the County Commission. He further stated that the commission either needs to endorse or deny the requests of the County Commission.

At this time Mr. Eck opened the floor to Bryan Funkhouser of Buchart Horn, and County Commissioner Asel Kennedy to answer any questions.

Mr. Funkhouser reiterated to the Traffic Commission that this was a preliminary study and all they were trying to do was to locate any fatal flaws.

Ken Martis stated that he went past the area the other night and noticed the Salvation Army building down below. He wanted to know if it was going to be removed.

Mr. Funkhouser stated yes they were going to have the whole block.

Ron Eck inquired as to who would be using the facility?

Mr. Funkhouser stated that since this was just a preliminary study, they had not gotten into the usage issue as of yet.

Asel Kennedy addressed the Commission and stated that the County Commission would need the authority of the City to change Court Street to both directions, and a portion of Chestnut Street in both directions behind the jail. This would be for expansion purposes. But, buses would only travel from Chestnut Street to Walnut Street. Mr. Kennedy further stated that all traffic from the facility would exit on Court Street. His main question was can the County Commission change Court Street and Chestnut Street without Council decision.

Don Spencer wanted to know about the turning radius for the buses exiting onto Walnut Street to get to University Avenue.

Mr. Funkhouser stated that the turning radius could be altered. He further stated that the reason the buses must stay is that one requirement for the funding of this project is that twenty percent (20%) of the usage must be by County employees, and sixty percent (60%) must be from some other mode of transportation.

Terry Hough stated that in the last presentation the Commission was not informed about the changing of Chestnut Street to two-way.

Asel Kennedy stated that it in not actually in the drawings at present.

Roy Nutter asked about the buses going south on University Avenue.

Mr. Funkhouser stated that they would go onto Walnut and left at the light. He further stated that this is already the flow pattern.

Paul Steel inquired at to why Chestnut Street needed to be two-way.

Asel Kennedy said to call this an intermodal facility the usage must be for more than just a parking garage it must tie in to some other transit system.

Don Spencer stated that he was aware of the Historical Commissions issues with the aforementioned project.

Mr. Kennedy stated that the County Commission met with the Historical Commission and their basic concerns were with the Jail House and the Sheriffs Departments. Both the County Commission and Historical Commission are working together to address these concerns.

Don Spencer wanted to know if the buses would be parking in the area.

Mr. Funkhouser stated that no buses would be parked at anytime.

Mr. Spencer asked about the impact at the light, the first problem he feels would be when the light is adjusted to adapt for the facility, will it be synchronized to meet the traffic flow and what will it do to the entire system of lights in the downtown area.

Mr. Funkhouser stated that their traffic study was based on traffic flow after the synchronization of the lights.

Terry Hough wanted to know if the conditions showed free flowing traffic.

Mr. Funkhouser said it would show stacking, and that it did start with traffic stacking.

Terry Hough stated that synchronization would be no good when the downtown area becomes a parking lot. She inquired at to whether this particular issue was addressed.

Mr. Funkhouser stated that it was indeed addressed.

Mr. Kennedy stated that the State DOT had responded to the data provided.

Ron Eck asked what the County Commission needed from the Traffic Commission.

Mr. Kennedy said that approval of Court Street to two-way before the County Commission can proceed. He further stated that all reports from Environmental, to WVU impact to Historical Commission reports needed to be reviewed in order for the County Commission to get approval to move forward with this project.

Mr. Funkhouser reminded the Traffic Commission that this was a preliminary study and that it was conceptual only. He stated that everything had to be back to the FTA by the middle of September.

Mary Ann Liberatore asked if we could list contingencies.

Mr. Kennedy said that the Traffic Commission needed to look at everything, and not list contingencies. He said the County Commission needs their approval. He wanted to know of the possibility of appointing a sub-committee of the Traffic Commission to address the issues.

Mr. Funkhouser stated that the documentation with the questions for Buchart-Horn could be emailed to him for his answers. Mr. Funkhouser stated that based on the traffic study any mitigation costs would fall under the plan.

Mr. Kennedy asked if the City Council had to approve this.

Terry Hough stated that Mr. Boroff said they would be willing to accept the Traffic Commissions recommendation.

Don Spencer asked that Buchart-Horn address the issues in writing. He also inquired about what the Parking Authority felt of this plan. And would there be a problem with filling the parking garage.

Motion by Don Spencer to hold a Special Meeting to respond to the County Commissions request for an intermodal facility. Second by Mary Ann Liberatore. Motion passed.

Roy Nutter stated that there were actually 5 street issues to be addressed: Chestnut Street, Court Street, dumping onto High Street, High Street to Pleasant Street, and Pleasant Street to Spruce Street. His main concern was the off set intersections at Chestnut Street and Court Street, and Court Street and Chancery Row.

Mr. Funkhouser stated that the off set intersections were addressed.

Mr. Nutter inquired about the reversing of Chancery Row and Chestnut Street.

Mr. Funkhouser stated this was needed because no one would be exiting the garage on Walnut Street.

Asel Kennedy stated that Chancery Row would have to be reversed to be able to access High Street.

Terry Hough said that her understanding was that the County Commission was looking for approval to change Court Street two-way from Chestnut to University Avenue, and reversing Chancery Row from Chestnut Street to High Street.

Bryan Funkhouser asked if the Traffic Commission’s questions from this evening could be added to the list to be addressed in writing from Buchart-Horn. And if the Traffic Commission could hold a special meeting to address these issues.

Mr. Funkhouser further stated that he could e-mail the answers to the questions and get the information out to the Commission members and meet in two weeks to get a recommendation.

Mr. Funkhouser said that he felt a Sub-Committee would be better than a Special Meeting.

Asel Kennedy asked if the traffic changes had to go past Council.

Terry Hough stated that it is a long process to get the changes to street directions completed. She asked that the County Commission let them know what the time tables are and she would inform them of the process.

Traffic Study – Collins Ferry Road: Terry Hough presented the results of the traffic study done by the Department of Highways at the intersection of Aspen and Collins Ferry Road. She further stated that she had inquired about their feel on traffic calming and the State said that they don’t do traffic calming.

Ms. Hough asked the State when they would be implementing the changes in the report, and they said it would be when funding would allow.

Roy Nutter stated that raising the speed limit to 35 MPH on Collins Ferry Road may relieve some speeding on the side streets. He stated that the report indicates that 85% of the people who drive on Collins Ferry Road drive at a speed of 37-38 MPH so raising the speed limit may not be a bad idea.

Don Spencer stated that he was disappointed with the report in as much as there was no mention of the school in the area or the fact there were no sidewalks in the area. He was also disappointed that there was no mention of widening the road.

Terry Hough wanted to make everyone aware that the lights at the intersection of Collins Ferry Road and Aspen Avenue were not being removed; they were going to be upgraded.

Mr. Spencer stated that raising the speed limit does not respect the speeding problem and that he does not feel it is a positive way of addressing the speeding issue. He further stated that he does not feel the citizens of the area will accept the outcome.

Jeff Thorne indicated that the accidents that have occurred on Collins Ferry Road have been access accidents from private lots, and not from running the lights

Paul Steel said that he does not see the reasoning for raising the speed limit.

Buffy Vehse asked how can the State justify raising the speed limit from 25 MPH to 35 MPH.

Terry Hough stated that normally people do not change their driving habits.

Roy Nutter stated he did not understand why this was going to be implemented, and inquired as to whether a By-Pass may be coming in the future.

Paul Steel said he felt most of the people speeding in the area were workers not families that live there.

Don Spencer requested that the Traffic Commission refer this to the Suncrest Neighborhood Association or the MPO for their comments.

Terry Hough stated that by all means it should be sent to those entities.

Roy Nutter stated that the only problem he had with the report was the raising of the speed limit everything else seemed okay.

Windsor Avenue: Request from Harold Moore, 1201 Windsor Avenue on stop sign reconsideration.

Terry Hough stated she visited the area and she feels there are other ways to address the speeding problem rather than placing stop signs. She feels that stop signs encourage people to speed up to get to the next stop sign rather than slow down.

Mr. Harold Moore, 1201 Windsor Avenue stated that Chief Lucci had sent 2 different officers out to do a mini survey and they were surprised by the amount of traffic in the area. Mr. Moore said he understands that the police cannot be everywhere all the time. He said there is a constant speeding problem, and students parking on Windsor Avenue. He also said that businesses are taking over with their ingress and egress.

Mr. Moore said he felt one alternative would be stop signs at 3 locations and he feels stop signs do alleviate speeding. He thought another alternative would be speed humps or speed bumps. He said that South Carolina uses speed humps and they work. He thought another alternative would be to change the streets into one way streets.

Mr. Moore stated that from 7:00 am – 9:00 am, noon, and 3:30 pm – 5:30 pm people use Christy Street, and Windsor Avenue as a shortcut for Van Voorhis Road and 705.

Mr. Moore said that if Douglas a parallel unopened street was opened it would alleviate one half of the speeders.

Mr. Moore said that stop signs in residential areas should work, but if they do not there has to be something that does work.

Arlyn Perkey of 1137 Windsor Avenue stated he supports Mr. Moore, he stated he was walking when an aggressive driver came towards him and almost hit him. He feels the City needs to do something before someone gets killed.

Terry Hough offered the following data regarding distances and placement of stop signs. The distance from Burroughs Street to Cyprus Street is 450 feet, Burroughs Street to Christy Street is 350 feet, Christy Street to Munsey Street is 250 feet, and Munsey Street to Drummond Street is 850 feet.

Don Spencer said he felt that this deserved more attention.

Terry Hough said that a traffic study should be done and that the Traffic Commission should react accordingly by taking true traffic calming measures. She stated that she noticed several cars slow down for the stop signs but they did not stop and it was in front of a school. She feels that the placement of stop signs is breeding contempt. Ms. Hough strongly recommends a traffic study and to attack accordingly with true traffic calming, she further stated that since Windsor Avenue is flat speed humps would work perfectly.

Don Spencer inquired as to whether the study could be done by the October Traffic Commission Meting.

Ken Martis asked Jeff Thorne if the police department could do extra patrols at the minimum, but possibly place the speed display unit.

Jeff Thorne said he would see that it was done.

Mr. Martis asked Lt. Thorne to make sure it was done so as not to skew the study.

Ron Eck said that he would have the study done as soon as possible.

Roy Nutter stated that he agrees that the cut through traffic has increased.

Buffy Vehse inquired as to considering changing to one way street.

Terry Hough said that would make everyone have to go around the block.

Graham Kenneweg stated that he felt speed humps were a good idea.

Don Spencer said there was a dip in the road and asked that the City Street Department not repair it, as is serves as a speed deterrent.

Mr. Moore told Lt. Thorne that there was really no way for an officer to get his car out of the line of sight. He also feels that a traffic study will not help.

Roy Nutter inquired as to whether Marilla Park had speed humps.

Terry Hough replied no.

Mr. Nutter inquired about the Willowdale Project.

Terry Hough stated that they were meeting with the Contractor and Construction Team tomorrow.

NEW BUSINESS

Hudson Street: Request from Peter Franklin-White, 618 Lambert Street, to have a “No Parking” sign place on Hudson Street where the yellow lines are already painted.

Mr. Franklin-White stated that the Police Department was backing him on this issue. He stated that Hudson is not a normal sized street it is only 28 feel wide and has a steep 3 foot berm on one side. He said Lambert Street is only 20 feet at entrance and goes off at an acute angle. Mr. Franklin-White is requesting a “No Parking Here to Corner: sign so that during snow people will know not to park there. Mr. Franklin-White said that cars are crammed in there now, and that Lambert Street has a 50 yard incline and during times of snow and ice someone could slide and hit the cars parked there.

Buffy Vehse asked whether there were any signs there before.

Terry Hough stated it is either signs or yellow lines; the policy of the City of Morgantown is usually not both. Terry Hough further stated that if brush was an issue then the property owner would have to cut it, and that the yellow curb was visible.

Ken Martis said that he noticed that in South Park near Morgantown High all curbs were freshly painted, he inquired as to the painting schedule.

Terry Hough stated that curbs are usually painted every other year by wards, with concentration on student areas, and Sunnyside.

Roy Nutter asked if the West Side of Hudson Street could be No Parking Here to Corner. He further stated that he feels this does warrant a sign.

Motion by Roy Nutter to install a “No Parking Here to Corner” sign on Hudson Street. Seconded by Buffy Vehse. Motion carried with Ken Martis voting against..

Fenwick Street and Harvard Avenue: Request from Rachel Friend, 517 Harvard Avenue that the Traffic Commission place “4-way Stop Signs” at intersection of Fenwick Street and Harvard Avenue.

Don Spencer stated that a 4-way stop sign is needed. He stated he lives on the dead end side of Harvard. He said people speed as they approach the school. He feels the change is necessary because of the amount of traffic flow through Junior Avenue and Plymouth Street. Mr. Spencer said the traffic coming toward the school around 3:00 pm creates a large commotion. Mr. Spencer said a stop sign would be needed at Fenwick Street and Harvard Avenue to make it 4-way.

Terry Hough said she felt the Traffic Commission should establish the real problem by doing a traffic study. She feels Fenwick is ideal for traffic calming measures.

Paul Steel asked if we could slow down traffic in a school zone.

Mr. Spencer stated there are no stop signs on Fenwick Street from Junior Avenue to Mansfield Avenue. He also said traffic does speed up Fenwick Street towards Junior Avenue.

Roy Nutter said that he understood from a previous meeting, that the principal was against stop signs.

Ron Eck said that he has watched traffic blow through the 3-way stop near the school. He feels the 3-way stop can give children a false hope that people will stop.

Don Spencer said the speeding on Junior Avenue from University Avenue is also a concern.

Ron Eck stated that Suncrest has a bigger traffic issue than this.

Mary Ann Liberatore suggested that the Traffic Commission look at the entire area, and bring it all into on general issue.

Don Spencer said he realized Mrs. Friend’s concern because that is a central location in the neighborhood and kids are always playing there. He feels the Traffic Commission should do the best job and keep consistent. He said it is a bottleneck hub for cut through traffic.

Ron Eck asked if Fenwick was a cut through.

Mr. Spencer stated that drivers go down Fenwick to Mansfield or other streets in Star City.

Roy Nutter made a motion to table this matter for further investigation. Seconded by Ken Martis. Motion carried.

Highland Avenue and Raymond Street: Request from Wiles Hill Neighborhood Association that the Traffic Commission consider placing a 4-way stop at the intersection of Highland Avenue and Raymond Street. Charles Byrer, 420 Raymond Street representing the Wiles Hill Neighborhood Association presented maps for use in discussing the traffic flow issues on Highland Avenue. Mr. Byrer said that he lives at the corner of Highland Avenue and Raymond Street and that there is only one stop sign on Highland and at the intersection with Raymond Street there is a bank with brush growing on it that sometimes obscures vision. The neighbors across the street have satellite parking, and with no stop signs people leave Stewart Street and take a straight shot onto Jones Avenue. His main concern is blind intersection and safety.

Highland Avenue and Center Street: Mr. Byrer stated that Highland comes to a rise at Center Street, and you do not know if someone is coming over the rise on your side or not. He said a 3-way stop at Center Street would be just like the 3-way on Collins Ferry. All of these requests are due to cut through traffic.

Don Spencer stated that he walked Highland Avenue to Jones Avenue and he noticed that at North Street there was no indication that you were approaching an intersection. He feels that Raymond Street and Highland Avenue should be a 4-way stop, and Center Street and Highland should be a 3-way stop because it is a bus route and well traveled street. Mr. Spencer said he realizes that the North Street signs are not on the agenda, but, he feels that these are excellent requests, and supports the Wiles Hill Neighborhood Associations request.

Paul Steel said he felt Highland Avenue was an impossible street.

Mary Ann Liberatore said she feels a 4 way stop is warranted at the intersection of Highland Avenue and Raymond Street.

Terry Hough stated that when she was in the area there was a car parked behind a fire hydrant at the intersection, and that is was parked there illegally because you cannot park within 15 feet of a fire hydrant.

Roy Nutter said he did not see the fire hydrant.

Motion by Don Spencer that a 4-way stop be created at the intersection of Highland Avenue and Raymond Street. Seconded by Mary Ann Liberatore. Motion carried.

Motion by Mary Ann Liberatore to deny the request for a 3-way stop at the intersection of Highland Avenue and Center Street. Seconded by Ken Martis.

Don Spencer asked for a way to control speed and improve safety at the intersection of Highland and Center.

Roy Nutter stated that from Center Street you can see both ways, and a 3-way stop would not do anything. He is inclined to deny. He suggested a possible traffic study.

Paul Steel stated that while he was in the vicinity, there were not a lot of people coming from Center Street left on to Highland Avenue, nor were there a lot of people going off of Highland Avenue on to Center Street.

Chairman Eck asked for a vote on the motion to deny the 3-way stop sign at the intersection of Highland Avenue and Center Street. Motion carried.

Use of Cameras: Request of Commissioner Spencer pertaining to the use of cameras for Speeding and Stop Lights.

Mr. Spencer read from a Traffic Calming guide from August of 1999 stating that photo radar measures speed and photos of passing speeders. He read they can be portable, and if we staffed one unit full time it would cost $4,000 per month for lease, and $3,000 per month if purchased. Mr. Spencer inquired about the legal issues and if the price has dropped and if leasing in option. Mr. Spencer wanted to know about the possibility of utilizing this mode of traffic calming.

Ron Eck asked if this was legal.

Jeff Thorne stated that to staff the unit at all times would require one officer and it would have to be calibrated and the officer would have to travel with the unit. He said that radar units are less expensive in the long run, because of the need for an additional officer to operate solely that unit.

COMMISSION COMMENTS:

Buffy Vehse asked if the Traffic Commission could recommend the addition of another officer for the Police Department.

Terry Hough stated the Traffic Commission can forward a resolution to the City Manager asking that Council consider hiring additional police personnel.

Chris Gluck stated that we need to do a survey to determine what we need, to deter speeding and running of stop lights. He also inquired as to whether or not the photo radar could be misconstrued as a speed trap.

Ron Eck stated that he has heard that in some instances the photo radar units have been charged with invasion of privacy.

Roy Nutter requested that Chief Scott and City Manager Boroff be asked to attend the next Traffic Commission meeting to respond to the Commissioners inquiries.

Buffy Vehse stated that the sidewalk on College Avenue between Maiden Lane and Cornell Street was in bad shape and was dangerous for students walking there.

Terry Hough stated that the City Council lists the sidewalks to be repaired every year and that maybe the Traffic Commission could request the sidewalk be included in next years program.

Ron Eck stated that he would be obliged to do a presentation on traffic calming at the November Traffic Commission meeting.

Terry Hough stated that since there is an epidemic of cut through traffic, she recommends that the Traffic Commission appoint a committee to look into and possibly devise a Traffic Calming Plan. Terry said she would be willing to serve, as did Commissioner Eck, and Commissioner Gluck.

PUBLIC COMMENT

None

ADJOURNMENT 10:27 PM.