PTC Minutes 6 7 16 (2)Beverly Parking and Traffic Commission
Minutes
June 7, 2016
CITY OF BEVERLY
PUBLIC MEETING MINUTES
1.
BOARD OR COMMISSION: Parking and Traffic Commission
SUBCOMMITTEE:
DATE: June 7, 2016
LOCATION: Conference Room B Third Floor City Hall
MEMBERS PRESENT: Chair, Richard Benevento, City Planner Aaron Clausen,
Vice Chair, Richard Hutchinson, Captain Halloran, Sgt.
Antonio DiRuzza, George Binns
MEMBERS ABSENT: John Somes
OTHERS PRESENT: Greg St. Louis, City Engineer
RECORDER: Eileen Sacco
Benevento calls the meeting to order at 8:30 a.m.
2. City Council Order #113 — Centerville Elementary School Pickup and Parking
Proposal by Resident Michael Grassia / Council President Paul Guanci and Ward
Six Councilor John Frates
Benevento explains that City Council Order #113 was submitted by Council President
Paul Guanci and Ward Six Councilor John Frates, for a review and recommendation of a
proposal made by resident Michael Grassia regarding the Centerville School Pick up and
parking areas at the school.
Benevento states that this issue is not new to the Parking and Traffic Commission and
notes that there have been various discussions on this over the past few years. He notes
that he was out there on Friday with Mike Collins and Aaron Clausen to review the
matter. He notes that the school was built back in the day when kids walked to school or
rode their bikes. He explains that they looked at various options for the traffic patterns
for the school. He stressed that the Parking and Traffic Commission will always err on
the side of safety.
Benevento recognized Councilor David Lang and Ward Six Councilor John Frates to
address the Commission.
Councilor Lang addresses the Commission and states that he is here this morning as the
Chair of the Council Committee on Public Services to which the matter was referred. He
explains that Mr. Grassia has a proposal and requests that the PTC allow him to make a
presentation.
Councilor Frates states that he would add that the City Council has appropriated $75,000
to address the issues at the Centerville School. Benevento states that he is happy to hear
that noting that often times the Parking and Traffic Commission makes recommendations
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on matters referred to them and there is no money to implement them. He also notes that
when he visited the site last Friday he found that the efficiency of the circulation on site is
a safety concern. He states that he thinks that we could provide efficiencies in queuing
the traffic on the site as well as coordinate the parking of cars. He suggested double
queuing the cars and providing a new parking area out front.
Benevento recognized Michael Grassia to make a presentation on his proposal.
Mr. Grassia addresses the Commission and states that the parking, pickup and resulting
safety around Centerville Elementary School has been a problem for some time. While
the rolling pickup has improved the flow of cars, it still results in a safety issue within the
parking lot. During rolling pickup there are cars idling as they wait in the fire lane at the
entrance of the school parking lot and once release has begun another line of cars is idling
while they wait to exit the school. At approximately 1:35 until 2:00 p.m. each day there
are cars already lined up and idling in the fire lane. Although the new parking restrictions
have improved the congestion on Hull Street there are still a significant number of cars
that must park there. In addition, there is actually insufficient parking for the school's
staff. Most importantly, in the event of an emergency during pickup, a fire engine would
be unable to get to the front door of the school as the two lanes of cars are idling at the
entry point of the school parking lot location of the idling rolling pickup vehicles. Fire
Chief Cotter believes that it is essential that any proposal to improve the parking and
rolling pickup at the Centerville School address the daily fire lane violation. Amy
Maxner, from the Conservation Commission, has indicated that the Conservation
Commission would help to find a way to accommodate a project that is done in the name
of school safety.
Grassia states that his proposal presents two options both of which would take all of the
rolling pickup cars off of Hull Street, resolve the daily fire lane violation, take virtually all
of the parked cars off Hull Street and retain as much of the soccer and baseball fields as
possible.
Grassia explains that his first proposal is the creation of a new access road off of Hull
Street that goes by the park, around the fields and flows back into the existing parking lot.
This road would provide 850 ft. to be used for rolling pickup line. In both Option # 1 and
Option #2, alongside the baseball field, 15 new spaces would be created for school staff.
Option #1 would create 39 spaces along the back of the school which could be used for the
parents who park and pick up their children at the door, aka 'walkers'. While Option
#2 would create 35 spaces along the tree line (in the outfield of the baseball field).
Grassia states that on a typical day the parking queue can be 800 feet.
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Benevento states that there needs to be a compromise and a discussion needs to take place
on what would work best and take a look at the options.
School Committee member Lorinda Visnick addresses the Commission and explains that
the Principals gets to choose the plan for dismissal in their schools by Ed Reform. She
notes that it is solely in the hands of the Principal.
Clausen states that the rolling pickup process is not the issue. He explains that the
challenge with the proposed circular drive is bringing a lot of cars into a playground area.
He states that we need a safe solution that would reduce the amount of traffic for the safety
of the kids walking. He also explains that the drive aisle for parking lots needs to be at least
20 feet and further notes that the parking layout that Mr. Grassia is proposing is a big
solution to a small problem and it is going to impact the open space and the soccer field.
Grassia states that the impact on the kid's safety could be addressed by the addition of a
fence. He notes that the winter months are the worst time.
Clausen states that he has been out there four or five times and the traffic circles through in
about five minutes. He also notes that if there is an emergency they can cycle people out.
Grassia states that a police detail could stop the traffic. He also notes that there is the
potential for accidents.
Grassia states that Hamilton/Wenham sends an on duty officer to their elementary school
each day. Sgt. DiRuzza explains that the police cannot guarantee that they would be there
every day while on duty noting that they get calls all over the city and they may get tied up.
He explains that the construction details etc. are all overtime and is implemented in four
hour blocks of time. The City is charged for each detail.
Benevento states that the Parking and Traffic Commission cannot authorize a policeman to
do traffic duty. He explains that the City Council has asked for a recommendation on the
proposal.
Benevento states that he would defer to Councilor Lang on that matter, noting that there
could be union issues on certain things.
Councilor Frates states that this came up yesterday during a discussion and Mayor Cahill
was not in favor of a police detail. He notes that the Police Chief was also involved in the
discussion and felt that even if the police could do it, there is always the possibility that they
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could get called away.
Benevento states that he wants to focus on the circulation of the site before we start building
roads and he would rather see a phased approach. He suggests that they tweak the plans
and notes that he suspects that most of the schools in Beverly could use a police detail. He
further noted that the parents have to play by the rules as well. He suggests that once a new
plan is in place, the police department should have a presence there for the first couple of
days. Benevento suggests that when a new plan is in place, the school should notify parents
in August before school starts.
Clausen reports that the Mayor is committed to solving this problem and stated that it was
his understanding that additional meetings with parents and the neighbors will be held.
Benevento opens the meeting up for public comment at this time.
Sandy Brown addresses the Commission and questions why the ice cream truck is allowed
to stop at the school.
Bob Brown of 8 Hull Street addresses the Commission and states that safety is an issue. He
also states that he is opposed to removing 15 trees to put in a parking lot. He states that
with the rolling pickup parents should be picking up their kids and going along, and they
should not be allowed to go to the playground. He also notes that most days the cars are
gone by 2:30 p.m.
Clausen explains that he sees two challenges. The rolling pickup in the afternoon and
certain events such as soccer games and events at the school. He states that the 15 parking
spaces are not intended to solve the rolling pickup issues, it is proposed to solve a parking
issue in the open space.
Benevento states that during sporting events people need to park in the parking lot.
George Earle of 14 Hull Street addresses the Commission and states that he feels they
should take a measured approach and stresses that as an abutter he does not want parking at
the Centerville Park.
Benevento states that the Commission is not considering anything this morning. He
explains that they are reviewing a proposal that was referred to them by a City Council
order.
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City Engineer Greg St. Louis states that the requirements for surface treatment has to be
pavement explaining that grass or gravel for the surface of a parking area will not work.
Captain Halloran states that he will send a fire truck to the school during pickup to see if
there is an issue with getting in there.
Hutchinson states that it seems to him that the plan would be more expensive with the
paving of a road.
Binns states that the design has to meet the standards and notes that the fire trucks may need
more space and it would have to be designed so it can get through.
Benevento states that they should look at the rolling pickup and see if there are some
changes that can be made to make it more efficient. He suggests that the Commission will
work with the School Committee and the City Council and City Departments to come up
with a proposal and states that a collaborative effort could end up with a solution that all can
agree to.
Clausen agrees and states that the proposal before the Commission this morning not be
adopted and that they will work with the Mayor's office and the School Committee on
incremental improvements considering all of the issues that have been raised, noting the
circulation plan for the rolling pickup, and providing better parking.
Grassia requests that one parent who is involved at the school on a daily basis be involved
in the process.
School Committee member Lorinda Visnick addresses the Commission and states that she
appreciates the concern for safety first and notes that the situation of concern is for 20 -30
minutes per day. She states that she gets the feeling that this is a done deal and notes that
she is concerned about safety on the school grounds and notes that the parking issues on
Hull Street is a separate issue.
Benevento states that he feels that this needs to be looked at as a neighborhood issue.
Clausen states that the number one issue with the circle drive has to do with the safety of
walkers with cars coming in and out. He states that he agrees with the assessment of the
proposed plan and states that other plans should be looked at.
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Benevento suggested staggered dismissal in an effort to optimize circulation and queuing
and suggests that bus kids could be released 2 -3 minutes earlier, noting that staggering
dismissal would result in more efficiencies.
Visnick explains that the school has requirements to fulfill for time and learning mandated
by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) and notes that letting
kids out early would impact that.
There being no further questions or comments regarding this matter:
Clausen: Motion to recommend to the City Council that the proposal for the
Centerville School in Council Order #113 not be implemented and the
queuing and additional parking under the current access to the site be
reviewed and that parents and neighbors be invited to participate in the
process. Binns seconds the motion. The motion carries (6 -0).
3. Recommendation to Planning Board: Site Plan Review Application #124-16 -
Construct a 4,800 s.f. Storage Building — 62 Dunham Road / Iron Tree Service LLC
Clausen explains that Iron Tree Service has submitted an application for a building permit
to construct a storage facility at 62 Dunham Road. The lot it is to be constructed on is
located where the Maestranzi Brothers warehouse building is and consists of 10 +/- acres.
There is ample room on the property to accommodate the building.The purpose of the
building is to house equipment, primarily two cranes and several wood chippers in
addition to miscellaneous vehicles. He also explains that there is zero impact on traffic in
the area.
There being no further questions or comments regarding this matter:
Binns: Motion to recommend approval of the site plan for Site Plan Review
Application #124 -16 - Construct a 4,800 s.f Storage Building — 62 Dunham
Road / Iron Tree Service LLC. Clausen seconds the motion. The motion
carries (6 -0).
4. Suggestions for Brimbal Avenue Traffic Calming Measures — Citizen's Request
Clausen explains that Pamela DeAngelis submitted a letter to the Commission with
recommendations for traffic calming measures for Brimbal Avenue.
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Dan DeAngelis attended the meeting and addresses the Commission. He states that they
are asking for options and devices be considered at the end of Brimbal Avenue.
Benevento thanked DeAngelis for submitting the letter and stated that he would like to get
a recommendation from the Engineering and Public Services Department.
Clausen states that there are a lot of good traffic calming options available and notes that
the City has adopted the Complete Streets ordinance which already incorporates some of
Mr. DeAngelis's suggestions. He notes that there are a whole host of issues on Brimbal
Avenue.
DeAngelis states that the neighborhood has endured a lot of things including increased
traffic.
St. Louis notes that traffic control measures have been included in the Complete Streets
program.
Benevento asks St. Louis if they can take a look at some of the suggestions made by
DeAngelis, noting more frequent police presence in the area.
St. Louis explains that the trailer with the speed indicators have to be moved from location
to location identify local commuter speeds.
Clausen also thanked DeAngelis for the thoughtful suggestions and he really appreciates
them putting this recommendation list together.
DeAngelis states that his goal is to make things easier for the people in the neighborhood.
Sgt. DiRuzza reported that he has had two officers down there at various times noting that
the fastest time they found was 19 miles per hour coming from Putnam and Walnut Streets.
Binns suggests that speed limit signs be installed along Brimbal Avenue. Benevento
explains the process and notes that it is regulated by the Massachusetts Department of
Motor Vehicles (DMV).
There being no further questions or comments regarding this matter, Benevento suggests
that the City Engineer and the Public Works department look into this further. He thanked
Mr. DeAngelis for attending the meeting.
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5. Continued: City Council Order #72 — Beverly Middle School Project Review &
Recommendation / Council President Paul Guanci
Benevento states that given that the project is in the midst of the design phase and the
demolition of the building is underway there is not much that the Commission can do now.
He notes that the project will be thoroughly reviewed by the Massachusetts School
Building Authority.
Binns notes that he is a member of the Beverly School Building Committee and they are
continuing to review the site plan monthly at their meetings.
Clausen suggests that the Commission respond to Councilor Guanci and indicate what has
been discussed and notes that the Commission could follow up post construction to review
the parking and traffic relative to the site.
6. Review Request for Four Wasp to be placed at the Intersection of Echo Avenue
and Matthies Street — Sgt. DiRuzza
Sgt. DiRuzza reports that he received a request from a citizen for a four way stop sign at
the intersection of Echo Avenue and Matthies Street. He explains that there is a lot of
speeding in the area and it is used as a cut through.
Benevento states that the Commission would have to defer to the MUTCD manual and
notes that a warrant analysis would have to be done.
DiRuzza states that the request was made by a citizen and he is not necessarily making a
recommendation for it.
Benevento suggests reviewing the old Shingleville recommendation noting that the
Commission reviewed that for a similar request.
7. Complete Streets Project Review — 2016 Beverly Street Paving Work Plan — Review of
List of Street Paving and Construction Work for Summer and Fall of 2016
The Commission tabled this matter until the next meeting.
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8. Approval of Minutes —April 5, 2016
The minutes of the Parking and Traffic Commission meetings held on April 5, 2016
were presented for approval.
Hutchinson moved approval. Binns seconds the motion. The motion carries (6 -0).
Approval of Minutes — May 10, 2016
The minutes of the Parking and Traffic Commission meetings held on March 3, 2016
were presented for approval.
Binns moved approval. Clausen seconds the motion. The motion carries (6 -0).
9. Continued: Winter, Knowlton, Pond and Cabot Streets Intersection — Councilor
Silva
Clausen reported that he has looked at the sketch that was drafted 25 years ago and
suggested that they could look at this to be implemented as a complete street project.
St. Louis reported that this proposal may entail a traffic study.
10. New /Other Business — Scheduling Next Meeting and Setting Agenda, Discussion/
Recommendations on Parking and Traffic related complaints /issues /questions,
potential City Ordinance Changes
Request for Change in Parking Restriction on Bow Street
Benevento explains that there is a request from the City Council to change the parking
restriction on Bow Street from 15 minutes to a half hour.
Binns: Motion to approve the request to change the parking restriction on Bow
Street from 15 minutes to a half hour. Hutchinson seconds the motion.
The motion carries (6 -0).
Request for No Parking Signs from 7 a.m. to 12:00 noon on Bonad and Lake Streets
Sgt. DiRuzza reports that the neighbors have requested this because train commuters are
parking there and taking the train. Clausen states that he would like to review this
request. Benevento agrees and suggests that DiRuzza check it out as well and report back
to the Commission.
11. Next Meeting
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The next meeting of the Parking and Traffic Commission will be held on July 5, 2016 at
8:30 a.m.
12. Adjournment
There being no further business to come before the Parking and Traffic Commission this
morning, Clausen moves to adjourn the meeting. Hutchinson seconds the motion. The
motion carries (6 -0). The meeting was adjourned at 10:30 a.m.
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