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PTC minutes_11.10.20 CITY OF BEVERLY PUBLIC MEETING MINUTES BOARD: Parking and Traffic Commission SUBCOMMITTEE: DATE: November 10, 2020 BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT: Richard Benevento (Chair), Darlene Wynne (Vice Chair), George Binns, Michael Collins, Sgt Mike Henebury, Capt. Ryan Laracy, John Lozada,Jonathan Salt BOARD MEMBERS ABSENT: Leslie Gould OTHERS PRESENT: Emily Hutchings, Staff, Assistant Planning Director RECORDER: Sharlyne Woodbury Benevento chairs and opens the meeting at 8:30 am. This is a virtual meeting with special meeting format as required to honor Governor Baker's State of Emergency declared due to the national crisis of COVID-19. 1. Discussion: New Beverly Police Station 0 175 Elliott Street—Modification to Site Access for Planning Board recommendation No one present to represent the applicant. Wynne speaks to the modifications.The entry and exit points of traffic redirection are reviewed in detail. Sgt. Henebury questions the new location of the side gate with Wynne taking note and circling back once she reviews the plan details. Capt. Laracy maintains concern for fire access to hydrant and turning radius for truck. Commissioners discuss the public parking for access to the new station. Benevento inquires if the public parking will accommodate visitors plus those conducting business in the new station.The new station has meeting rooms for business. Wynne confirms the parking lot carve out intent is for public access as well as access to the atm. There being no further comments. Salt moves to accept the modifications as presented. Binns seconds, Henebury abstains.The motion carries 7-1-0. 2. Discussion: Request through Ward I Councilor Todd Rotondo to install a stop sign at the intersection of Beverly Hills Avenue and Sunset Drive Councilor Rotondo is present and discusses the ongoing issue with the commission.The commission previously discussed the issue with the members agreeing stop signs are not, and should not, be used an effective measure for controlling speed. Councilor Rotondo points out a constituent remembers a stop sign in the area inadvertently taken down long ago during snow removal. Councilor Rotondo understands the research provided by Sgt Henebury with no history of stop signs. Residents continue to express safety concerns for the increased number of children and young families moving to the area, as well as more at home activity due to the pandemic. Commissioners review the rules and regulations with Councilor Rotondo offering up comments in regards to traffic studies and best practices for controlling speed or calming traffic in a neighborhood. Parking and Traffic Commission November 10,2020,2020 Meeting Minutes Page 2 of 3 Commissioners also briefly discuss repaving the street to make it narrow with the addition of curb bump outs. Benevento explains the criteria reiterating stop signs are not used to control speed. Collins offers additional comments about sign installation explaining the science and regulation regarding the traffic studies for determining factors as well as the broad overapplication of traffic control and signage. Broad overapplication of control and signage tends to breed disrespect for all traffic control. Collins acknowledges the resident's traffic and speed concerns. Benevento responds to Lozada's inquiry about increased awareness and information for the motoring public to the neighborhood. Benevento further details the issue of sign clutter providing a brief history. Former studies found that those signs with wording such as "children at play" induced the sentiment that it's ok to play in the street. Commissioners conclude their thoughts on the matter with next steps proposed by Councilor Rotondo. There being no further comments. No additional actions at this time. 3. Discussion: 1 Water Street Demolition and Construction Update Rebecca Brown, Marty Bloom, and Matt Kilty return to the commission with updates to the construction phasing plan. Brown reminds the commission they were instructed to return and looks for guidance on traffic control measures and plan updates. MA DOT engineers confirmed they completed the drainage and conduit work pre-construction.They will move onto additional sites as part of their project plan returning back to the area upon completion.Tentative deadline to return to the area is end of winter to early spring. Kilty reviews the construction schedule and anticipates does not any issues. Kilty provides the preliminary schedule of construction activities including the grading and foundation support.There will be a secure fence and erosion control around the site. Once the building is razed the asphalt removal and silt testing commences. Kilty provides a list of construction vehicle types for the project which are also on a schedule. Subcontractors will be required to park at the public parking lot.The first construction phase will have no more than 10 workers on site. Materials are detailed for use. Commissioners inquire about public access to the water front. Brown outlines the public access and pedestrian walkways. Capt. Laracy emphasizes the importance for access to the boat ramp. Lozada inquires if the local residents are aware of the imminent construction.The project team confirms they have not reached out to residents with comments from other commissioners implying public awareness due to project press coverage. Commissioners and Kilty review the erosion control and requirements for keeping the site clean and demolition time frame. Lozada raises questions about handicap accessibility for the public areas adjacent to the site. Salt brings attention the stairs and footbridge access. He also brings to the commission's attention a public access gate that remains locked.The commission will look further into it. Benevento will have the solicitor's office review the Ch 91 stipulations. Salt inquires about the traffic flow and direction during construction onto Water Street. Per Kilty traffic will not be going north or east on Water Street. Benevento also reminds the project team the importance of wide load escorted delivery trucks, not to be done during peak travel hours. Sgt Henebury suggests signs informing the public the lots are closed. There being no further comments. No additional actions at this time. 4. Approval of Minutes: Binns moves to approve September 1, 2020 minutes as presented. Lozada seconds.The motion carries 8-0. Parking and Traffic Commission November 10,2020,2020 Meeting Minutes Page 3 of 3 Binns moves to approve October 6, 2020 minutes as presented. Lozada seconds.The motion carries 8-0. 5. New/Other Business: a. Beverly Bike Committee Requests for information Salt presents an email from Mike Coughlin requesting clarity on a variety of issues the Cabot Street construction sites, Brimbal Ave roundabouts, and accident spots throughout the city. Benevento suggests inviting a few representatives from the BBC to discuss the issues at hand. Wynne will ensure Mike Coughlin is invited to the December meeting. b. Maya Miatkowski regarding following upon Cox Court Maya Miatkowski returns to the commission reporting the same traffic issues for the area. She appreciates the commission's time and consideration for the issues at hand. She is willing to work with the commission to resolve or come to a suitable compromise for the Cox Court residents. Binns suggests more residents should be involved in the discussion. Benevento cautions once speed regulations are implemented they are difficult to undo. Salt recommends involving Councilor Rand to explore other civic alternatives. Collins also reiterates the data compilation involved with traffic studies. There being no further comments. No action needed at this time. 6. Adjournment Lozada moves to adjourn. Salt seconds.The motion carries 8-0. Meeting adjourned 10:22 am. Next meeting scheduled for 12.1.20.