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2014-01-07CITY OF BEVERLY PUBLIC MEETING MINUTES BOARD OR COMMISSION: SUBCOMMITTEE: DATE: LOCATION: MEMBERS PRESENT: MEMBERS ABSENT: OTHERS PRESENT: RECORDER: Parking and Traffic Commission January 7, 2014 Conference Room B, Third Floor City Hall Richard Benevento, Chair, Bill Bent, Bill Fiore, John Somes, Sgt. Russ Rollins, Richard Hutchinson Sean Ciancarelli and Eric Barber Eileen Sacco 1. Benevento calls the meeting to order at 8: 30 a.m. 2. Request from Public Services Director Mike Collins Regarding Parking on Hale Street Between Brackenbury Lane and Neptune Streets Benevento recalls that the PTC held a site visit to the area. Fiore notes that there are two or three different speed limits in the area. Benevento notes that the PTC is in the process of gathering information on a similar situation at Lakeshore Avenue and suggests that the PTC table the matter for more information on whether the speed limits are according to state regulations. Rollins states that he will get the information requested for the next meeting. Benevento noted that regarding the crosswalk recommendation, it was noted at the last meeting that the effectiveness of too many cross walks needs to be considered. Rollins asks Ciancarelli if Barber has talked to him about the crosswalk requests. Ciancarelli states that he has not talked with him about it but he will check with him. He notes that there is a cross walk at Corning and Essex Street. Benevento notes that he has an email from Councilor Houseman to a constituent following up on the request and noted that the original request was for a traffic study. Rollins will follow up with the requested information regarding speed limits and crosswalks and discuss with the Engineering Department as well. Benevento suggests that the PTC send a letter to the Council recommending that an ordinance change may be in order to limit parking on Hale Street between Brackenbury Lane and Neptune Street to the limits of the state highway and that appropriate MUTCD parking signage be posted. Page 1 of 3 Bent: Motion to recommend an ordinance change may be in order to limit parking on Hale Street between Brackenbury Lane and Neptune Street to the limits of the state highway and that appropriate MUTCD parking signage be posted. Fiore seconds the motion. The motion carries (5 -0). 3. Discussion of Request from Councilor Scott Houseman for Commission to Consider Recommendation for a Crosswalk at the Intersection of Lakeshore Avenue and Essex Street and Consolidated Speed Limits on Lakeshore Avenue Benevento recalls that information on the conflicting speed limits on this road was requested by the PTC. Rollins will contact Rick Wilson at Mass Highway for the information regarding the speed limits on Lakeshore and Hale Streets. 4. Review /Discussion - Six Month Review of Traffic and Circulation Issues if any Associated with the Construction of an exit onto Balch Street from the Balch Street Parking Deck at the Cummings Center Assistant City Planner Leah Zambernardi joined the meeting at this time. Steve Drohosky of the Cummings Center addresses the PTC and reports that the exit was built in accordance with the approve plans and opened on July 8, 2013. He noted that it fits in nicely and has been successful with no complaints. He also reported that cars are not trying to use it as an entrance. Benevento asks if there have been any issues with the neighbors who were opposed to the project. Drohosky reported that there have been no complaints and noted that there have been no issues with traffic on Balch or McKay Street as a result. He notes that a lot of people come to Beverly to work, attend school and do business here and there is going to be traffic as the city continues to grow. Benevento requests that the Parking and Traffic Commission send a letter to the Planning Board notifying them that in accordance with the condition in the approval, they have conducted a six month review from the opening of the exit and find that it is operating as it was intended and they have no further concerns. Benevento thanked Drohosky for the report and for attending the meeting. Zambernardi left the meeting at this time. 5. Discussion with City Engineer Eric Barber Regarding • Route 1A Project Status Page 2 of 3 Rollins reported that Mayor Cahill is going to appoint a Rt. 1A Task Force to assist and inform the neighbors and businesses during the planning and construction of the project. Barber reported that they are in the 75% design stage and they are still waiting for approval of that. Benevento stated that time is of the essence if the city is going to move on the proposal for Broadway couplet that has been presented by Main Streets. Barber reported that he has not met with Main Streets representatives about that, but noted that they made a presentation. He states that the proposal makes sense and suggested that a public meeting on be held. Benevento suggests that it might be useful for the PTC to look at the scope of work. He noted that lights on Rantoul Street are important. Barber states that the 75% plans include signals at the intersection of ?? Benevento suggests that the PTC review the 75% design at the next meeting. Barber reported that he has accepted a position with the South Essex Sewerage District and he will be leaving the City of Beverly. He states that it is bitter sweet for him and thanked his colleagues noting that it was a hard decision for him to make, but a great opportunity for him. Benevento wished Barber well and thanked him for his assistance to the Parking and Traffic Commission. 6. Approval of Minutes The December 3, 2013 meeting and December 10, 2013 site visit were tabled to the February 4th PTC meeting. 7. Next Meeting The next regular meeting of the Parking and Traffic Commission will be held on Tuesday, February 4, 2014 at 8:30 a.m. Benevento noted that each year the Parking and Traffic Commission makes a presentation to the City Council and suggested that a meeting date be scheduled. 8. Adjournment Benevento asks if there is any additional business for the Commission to conduct. There is none. Fiore: motion to adjourn, seconded by Hutchinson. All members in favor, motion carries 4 -0. The meeting is adjourned at 9:30 a.m. Page 3 of 3