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PTC Minutes 3 6 18Beverly Parking and Traffic Commission Minutes March 6, 2018 CITY OF BEVERLY PUBLIC MEETING MINUTES BOARD OR COMMISSION: Parking and Traffic Commission SUBCOMMITTEE: DATE: March 6, 2018 LOCATION: Conference Room B, Third Floor City Hall MEMBERS PRESENT: Chair Richard Benevento, City Planner Aaron Clausen, George Binns, Sgt. Antonio DiRuzza, Police Department, Captain Chris Halloran, Fire Department, John Lozada MEMBERS ABSENT: DPS Director Mike Collins, John Somes OTHERS PRESENT: Lisa Chandler, Staff Engineer, Councilor David Lang RECORDER: Eileen Sacco 1. Benevento calls the meeting to order at 8:30 a.m. 2. Continued: Butnam Street Intersection and Parking Issues — Councilor Houseman Benevento explains that the Commission has been asked to review the intersection of Butnam Street and in addition parking concerns at the request of Councilor Houseman in response to concerns raised by Sue and Dan Jewett of 44 Butman Street. Correspondence from the Jewetts indicate that they are concerned about increased traffic, speed, and parking at the intersection as follows: • Where Bisson crosses Butman it doesn't line up correctly • When cars park on either side of the intersection it makes the street one lane at the intersection • There are no signs limiting parking anywhere • It is not uncommon for cars to be parked on all sides of the intersection • The intersection of Butman is a bus stop for the high school • There is a blind spot at the intersection if coming up Butman from Dane Street • The intersection is only a two -way stop • There is a rise in the road when coming up Bisson from Lothrop Street — less of an issue if no one is parked there Clausen explains that there is ongoing roadwork on Butman that will continue this summer. He also notes that the alignment of the street is kind of funky which makes it tighter. Benevento notes that sight distances are an issue as well. Binns recalls that in the past Councilor Houseman has expressed concerns about parking in that location that impeded sight distances. Page 1 of 4 Beverly Parking and Traffic Commission Minutes March 6, 2018 Benevento suggests that the Commission could acknowledge the geometry of the intersection noting that a solution would require capital investments. He also notes that the Commission could recommend improvements for signage, etc. He further notes that it would depend on the type of work and the cost and the Mayor would have to be consulted on funding. Benevento suggests referring the matter to the Engineering Department to see if there are any other improvements that can be considered when repaving is done this summer. Benevento suggests that a barrier curb could be installed to prevent people from parking on the shoulder of the road. Clausen will send a memo to Councilor Houseman informing him of the suggestions of the Commission as a follow -up. 3. Approval of Minutes — December 5, 2017, January 9, 2018 and February 6, 2018 The Commission tabled the approval of the minutes to the next meeting. 4. Discussion Update: Parking on County Way — Sit. DiRuzza Sgt. DiRuzza reported that he visited the site and would like to recommend restricting parking on one side of County Way noting the area where you turn on to County Way from Bridge Street. Clausen explains that he noticed parking is an issue on the west side of County Way and notes that patrons of the hair salon, which has expanded their business, are parking too close to the driveways and the area is too close between driveways to fit a car. He agreed that there should be no parking on one side of the street. Benevento asks if we are talking about signage that should be there that is not there. DiRuzza suggests that "No Parking Here to Corner" signs should be installed to improve sight distances. He also notes that there is restricted parking near County and Winchester. The Commission discussed possibly removing the restriction which would free up three parking spaces. Benevento suggests that the Commission make the following recommendations: • No Parking Here to Corner Sign be installed • Remove parking restriction at County and Winchester to provide additional spaces • Increase parking enforcement Page 2 of 4 Beverly Parking and Traffic Commission Minutes March 6, 2018 Benevento also suggests that a discussion should be held with the owner of the salon to have them advise their customers on where to park. Clausen notes that Councilor Lang has spoken to the owners of the salon but he is not sure about the other residents in the neighborhood. He states that he will follow up. Sgt. DiRuzza suggested that no parking from 9 a.m. — 6 p.m. could be an option. Clausen notes that the City is trying to stay away from restricting parking for certain hours at it is difficult to enforce. He also notes that on street parking could be a traffic calming measure. Binns: Motion to recommend the No Parking at the intersection of Northern Ave and County Way signs be installed. 5. Other Business Halloran left the meeting at this time. Bike Lane Concerns Mr. Salt of the Beverly Bike Committee addresses the Commission and notes that there are still issues with people parking in the bike lanes on Hale Street. He also notes that the road is narrow near the New York Deli and there should be no parking there. He noted that he submitted information to Clausen with photos for the Commission to review. Benevento notes that there should be an indication of dedicated bike lanes or sharrows for bikers. Lisa Chandler states that she would look into the redesign of the bike lanes and the striping. Benevento states that there should be signs up. Clausen states that there could be signage that would introduce the bike lane. He notes that we need to educate the public. He also notes that it would be worth taking a look at Gloucester Crossing. Clausen notes that Hale Street is striped to the intersection of Lothrop and there is some limited off street parking and suggested that sharrows should be there. Benevento suggests that the Engineering Department take a look at these and other areas and make recommendations for signage. Page 3 of 4 Beverly Parking and Traffic Commission Minutes March 6, 2018 Salt states that most bike lanes work well noting Brimbal Avenue is fine but other areas need to be looked at. Speed Limit Signs Benevento reported that he will send Clausen a request to address the lack of signage on all roads entering the city indicating the 25 MPH speed limit in thickly settled areas. He stated that we are the only city that does not have the required Mass DOT signs if they have adopted the 25 MPH speed limit. 6. Next Meeting Benevento notes that the Commission scheduled the April meeting for Thursday, April 5, 2018 at 6:30 p.m. He explains that he is not available that evening and suggests moving the night meeting to the May 3, 2018 meeting. There was no objection. Clausen will schedule the meeting. The next meeting will be held on April 3, 2018 at 8:30 a.m. Adiournment Binns: Motion to adjourn the meeting. DiRuzza seconds the motion. The motion carries (5 -0). The meeting was adjourned at 9:30 a.m. Page 4 of 4