Traffic Commission Agendas and Minutes

Page 1 of 3 January 22, 2024 MINUTES OF THE COHOES TRAFFIC COMMISSION MEETING HELD ON MONDAY JANUARY 22, 2024 IN THE COMMON COUNCIL CHAMBERS OF COHOES CITY HALL AT 3:02 PM MEMBERS PRESENT: Chairman Paul Johnston Sergeant Michael Kendrick Director Stephen Napier Commissioner Stephen Hennessey Fire Chief Joseph Fahd ALSO PRESENT: Theresa Flatley, Recording Secretary CONSIDER THE MINUTES OF THE DECEMBER 18, 2023 MEETING Chairman Johnston asked if there were any comments, questions or concerns regarding the minutes as published. As there were no questions, concerns or comments, Chief Fahd made a motion to approve the minutes. Commissioner Hennessey seconded the motion. A roll call vote was taken. All were in favor except Director Napier who abstained. The motion passed by a majority vote. CONSIDER THE RELOCATION OF A RESIDENTIAL HANDICAP PARKING SIGN TO 214 ONTARIO STREET This request was submitted by Michelle Ryan. Chairman Johnston stated that at last month’s meeting we approved the removal of a Handicap Parking sign at 9 Willow Street that had previously been approved for Ms. Ryan. She has moved to 214 Ontario Street and is now requesting that the sign be relocated to that location. Since Ms. Ryan has previously been approved for a Handicap Parking sign, the Chairman’s recommendation was to approve the request in accordance with Attachment “A” to the agenda. Chief Fahd made a motion to approve the request for the relocation of the Residential Handicap Parking sign to 214 Ontario Street in accordance with Attachment “A” to the agenda. Sergeant Kendrick seconded the motion. A roll call vote was taken. All were in favor. The motion passed unanimously. CONSIDER THE INSTALLATION OF A CURVE WARNING SIGN ON EASTBOUND COLUMBIA STREET AT JAMES STREET This request was submitted by Councilperson McCarthy. The Councilperson is concerned about the safety of motorists where the travel lane of eastbound Columbia Street shifts approximately 11’± to the south just east of the James Street intersection.  Page 2 of 3 January 22, 2024 The Councilperson feels that there is a significant chance of a head on collision if a motorist fails to follow the curvature of the lane extension line. Chairman Johnston stated that he has reviewed and driven the location and he feels that the installation of a Curve Warning sign in accord with Attachment “B” to the agenda would improve safety and is prudent. Chief Fahd made a motion to approve the request for a Curve Warning sign on Columbia Street in accordance with Attachment “B” to the agenda. Sergeant Kendrick seconded the motion. A roll call vote was taken. All were in favor. The motion passed unanimously. CONSIDER THE REMOVAL OF A RESIDENTIAL HANDICAP PARKING SIGN AT 35 VLIET STREET This request was submitted by Mrs. Thomas Scott. Chairman Johnston stated that this sign was originally approved for Thomas Scott and it has been confirmed that Mr. Scott is deceased. The Chairman’s recommendation was to remove the sign in accordance with Attachment “C” to the agenda. Sergeant Kendrick made a motion to approve the request to remove the Residential Handicap Parking sign from 35 Vliet Street in accordance with Attachment “C” to the agenda. Chief Fahd seconded the motion. A roll call vote was taken. All were in favor. The motion passed unanimously. CONSIDER THE INSTALLATION OF NO PARKING SIGNS ON VLIET BLVD. This request was submitted by Evan Hack of 195 Vliet Blvd. He is requesting that No Parking signs be installed in front of his and his neighbor’s house. The exact location of the request would be on the north side of Vliet Blvd and between Thompson and Edward Streets. Chairman Johnston stated that this item was previously on the agenda for November 18, 2018. At that time the basis of the request was safety in that the requestor felt that he could not safely make turns out of Thompson Street when parked vehicles blocked his view. However, a review of the accident history at the time showed that the only accident was by the requestor himself when he slid into a parked city garbage truck. Additionally, at the time, sight distance in all directions was satisfactory. The request was subsequently denied. Recently, however with the success of the Vliet Mart, traffic and delivery vehicles to the business have significantly increased. With this increase, sight distance to and from vehicles has been reduced as vehicles park on both sides of Vliet Blvd creating, at  Page 3 of 3 January 22, 2024 times, a single lane for motorists. Vehicles are also ignoring the north Vliet Blvd. curb line and are parking on the grass utility strip. Mr. Hack is requesting No Parking signs on the north side of Vliet Blvd. Since a no parking prohibition permits the temporary loading or unloading of merchandise or passengers, Chairman Johnston felt that the more stringent No Stopping Any Time signs were prudent and stated that Chief Waldin concurs with their use at this location. Chairman Johnston stated that the relocation of the No Parking Here To Corner sign on Edward Street will provide a parking space for the one that will be eliminated on Vliet Blvd. The Chairman’s recommendation was to install No Stopping signs on Vliet Blvd, between Edward and Thompson Streets, and to relocate or remove various signs in accordance with Attachment “D” to the agenda. Sergeant Kendrick made a motion to approve the request to install No Stopping Any Time signs on Vliet Blvd and to relocate the No Parking Here To Corner sign on Edward Street in accordance with Attachment “D” to the agenda. Chief Fahd seconded the motion. A roll call vote was taken. All were in favor. The motion passed unanimously. Since there was no further business on the agenda, Chairman Johnston stated that the next meeting of the Traffic Commission would be on February 26, 2024 at 3 PM. Chairman Johnston made a motion to adjourn. Chief Fahd seconded the motion. A roll call vote was taken. All were in favor. The motion passed unanimously. The meeting adjourned at 3:08 PM.