City Council - Public Safety Committee

Public Safety Committee Minutes November 12, 2024 Members present: Councilor Zaret, Councilor Derby, Councilor Riley Members absent: Parks and Recreation Commissioners Henninger and Anderson Also in Attendance: The meeting was called to order by Councilor Zaret at 6:00 pm 1. Public Speak Time: 2. Approval of the October meeting notes: Councilor Derby made a motion to approve, Councilor Riley seconded, Vote: 3-0 Approved. 3. Continuing Business: • Proposal to reverse the traffic direction on Daley Field Road (Nonotuck Park) Commissioners Henninger and Anderson attended the meeting to discuss Director Mason’s proposed entry near the Stone House at the end of the Williston Fields, giving a traffic flow taking right turns onto Lownds Road. Councilors agreed with the proposal. It creates a natural spot for a tollbooth and relieves traffic congestion coming into and leaving the park. The committee agreed to have another meeting with Director Mason and to give the public an opportunity to voice their opinions before moving the item to the full council. Of note, Councilor Zaret said the Police Department didn’t have any concerns with this change. Commissioner Henninger said Director Mason has another prefabricated building to place on the access road by the basketball courts which can be hooked up for electricity and heat. Also, it could accommodate a 2nd lane for pre-paid season pass entry. This could be accomplished before the Spring. Councilors and Commissioners both agreed to include baseball, pickleball, and soccer boards at the meeting for complete representation. This is a low-cost project that could be completed by the Springtime with new signage informing the public of the new traffic flow. • Citizens request to consider a city-wide speed limit Councilor Zaret gave a general overview of the request. Councilors discussed the current citywide speed limit of 30 mph and the difference in safety of the public that can be gained from a mere 5 mph reduction in the speed limit to 25 mph unless otherwise posted.  Councilor Derby discussed a need to look into the cost of new signs for changed speed limits as an element of this debate, and a need to engage in education and awareness campaigns with the public, inside and outside of Easthampton. Councilor Zaret agreed regarding questions that remain about the cost of new signs, or burdens to DPW and Police. “What we decide they have to implement.” 4. New Business: • Councilors began a review of the Traffic Rules and Orders to identify outdated language. Examples included removing gendered language about police officers and public officials, and the names of bodies overseeing certain functions that have changed since the Traffic Rules and Orders were last amended. This work will continue through several meetings. 5. Other: Next regular meeting: December 10th, 2024, at 6:00 PM. Councilor Derby made a motion to adjourn, and Councilor Riley seconded. Vote: 3-0. The meeting adjourned at 7:00 pm. Respectfully Submitted, Councilor Brad Riley Chair of Appointments Clerk to the Public Safety Committee