2009-08-12
CITY OF BEVERLY
PUBLIC MEETING MINUTES
BOARD OR COMMISSION:
SUBCOMMITTEE:
LOCATION:
DATE:
MEMBERS PRESENT:
Parking and Traffic Commission
MEMBERS ABSENT:
OTHERS PRESENT:
RECORDER:
City Hall Conference Room B
August 12,2009
Chairman Richard Benevento, Sheila Field, Richard
Hutchinson, Tina Cassidy, Sgt. John Shairs, Bill Fiore
Bill Bent
Eileen Sacco
Benevento calls the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m.
Approval of Minutes
The minutes of the Parking and Traffic Commission meeting held on Wednesday, July 1, 2009
were presented for approval. Benevento asks if there are any corrections that need to be made.
There are none.
Hutchinson: motion to approve the minutes of the Parking and Traffic Commission meeting
held on July 1, 2009. Hutchinson seconds the motion, all in favor. The motion
carries 5-0.
1. Informal discussion with Citv Electrician Bill Ambrefe re2ardin2 approved site plan
and conditions for CVS at Elliott/Rantoul Streets
City Electrician Bill Ambrefe is present at the meeting for an informal discussion with the
Commission regarding the approved site plan and conditions for the new CVS at the
Elliott/Rantoul Street intersection.
Cassidy explains that the Parking and Traffic Commission made a recommendation to the
Planning Board regarding the CVS project and the Planning Board adopted those
recommendations in their approval of the project. She explains that they are now a requirement
of the project.
Ambrefe reviews the approval letter from the Planning Board for the project. Benevento
explains that there is no traffic detection at that intersection and it is failing in terms of its level
of service (LOS). He explains that the Commission thoroughly reviewed this project and while
not wanting to give the developer extra costs and in consideration of the future work proposed
for that intersection (noting that it could be 4-5 years out), recommended that they improve the
intersection by actuating it with loop detection or video and that a new controller be installed.
Ambrefe explains that he reviewed the plans with VHB and they are proposing 8 quadra pole
loop detectors. He explains that he has concerns about pavement quality. He estimated that the
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August 12, 2009 Meeting
cost for the loop detectors would be about $8,000 and he would prefer cameras instead of loop
detectors and VHB agreed to this in the field.
Benevento explains that it would be the city electrician's call as to the preferred method of
actuation and if video is more economical then that is fine. He also agreed that cameras are a
better option and they can be used again in another location when the work on that intersection is
completed.
Shairs asks if the police department would be able to tap into those cameras in the event of an
accident to see how serious it and what type of response is needed. Benevento explains that the
cameras actuate the traffic signal but do not record activity at the location.
Discussion ensues regarding what the immediate needs are to make the intersection functional.
Cassidy suggests that Ambrefe write a letter to the Planning Board explaining why loops are not
the way to go and they he would prefer video, noting that the Planning Board approval allows for
either option. Ambrefe agreed and noted that the video option is less expensive than the loops.
Ambrefe explains that the other issue that he wants to discuss with the Commission is that there
is a pull box that has been beaten by tractor trailer trucks etc. and VHB is planning to redo that.
He explains that he estimates the cost of fixing that to be about $5,700 and he would prefer that
they leave that as it is and repair/fix the free-swinging mast instead. He notes that it is a safety
issue and he would like to see it supported before something happens out there.
Benevento explains that there are certain things that VHB has to do to be in compliance with the
Planning Board approval and if the City Electrician has a suggestion regarding fixing the pull
box or make the lights hanging over the road safer he should suggest that to VHB. He explains
that based on the Planning Board decision vehicle detection and a new controller are required but
any other decision in the field is up to the City Electrician.
Benevento states that he would be happy to join Ambrefe and CVS' s engineers in the field for a
discussion. There being no further questions or comments regarding this matter, Benevento
thanks Ambrefe for attending the meeting (Ambrefe leaves the meeting at this time).
New or Other Business
2. Discussion of bicvcle 2rand prix in Beverlv AU2ust 13. 2009 / S2t. Shairs
Shairs explains the road race closure procedures for the Bicycle Grand Prix to be held on August
13th. He noted that message boards have been out around the city advising residents of the
planned road closures from 4-8 p.m. on Thursday. He also noted the Committee running the
event is very organized and prepared, noting that they hope this will be an annual event and any
issues that arise will be addressed for next year. He adds that he does not expect too many
problems.
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August 12, 2009 Meeting
Fields explains that the merchants are excited about the event and some who had concerns may
not realize they should receive a fair amount of foot traffic during the event. She also notes that
a few restaurants have one-day licenses to sell alcohol outside during the event.
3. Next Meetin2
The next meeting of the Commission will be held on Tuesday, September 1, 2009 at 8:30 a.m.
Adjournment
Benevento asks if there is any other business to conduct at this meeting. There is none.
Hutchinson:
motion to adjourn, seconded by Shairs. All members in favor, the motion
carnes.
The meeting is adjourned at 10:00 a.m.
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August 12, 2009 Meeting