Traffic Commission

Minutes Traffic Commission Meeting Wednesday, April 1, 2017 Voting Members Present: Nick Wright, Paul Steel, Martin Dombrwoski, Erica Hetzel, Jay Redmond, William Blosser, Matthew Cross, Chip Wamsley Non-Voting Members Present: Damien Davis Members Absent: David McKain, Chris Gluck, Kyle Haugh, Lt. Matt McCabe MATTER OF BUSINESS: Damien Davis held role call and brought the meeting to order at 6:30pm PUBLIC COMMENTS: Daniel Frey, 207 Lincoln Avenue, spoke on behalf of the residents who live in his rental on Listravia Avenue. Mr. Frey stated that it is already a disaster in the area and bringing school buses in will make it even worse. He stated that school buses could not pass other vehicles safely on Listravia or Linnehurst. Mr. Frey also questioned why the access road was never built. Karen, 2059 Listravia Avenue, stated that the current traffic is very frustrating at pick up and drop off times. She also asked why the access road was never built. Ms. Karen stated that the roads are very narrow and not conducive to large buses traveling on them. Michell, Superintendent of Trinity, stated that the program that they want the buses for is not during the regular drop off and pick up times during the school year but for during the day in the summer for a summer camp program. The current school bus that comes is supposed to be a small bus, but occasionally the small one breaks down and they send whatever is available. Ms. Michelle also stated that since she is relatively new to the school she cannot answer the questions about the access road. Matt Cross asked her why the school could not use smaller buses to transport the children during the summer. Ms. Michelle stated that Mon County has not given them that option. Rodney Anderson, Trinity School, explained that a Geotechnical investigation was done in the past five years and the results showed that the soil is poor and unstable. MEETING MINUTES: None BICYCLE BOARD: Chip Wamsley stated that there was nothing new to report but reminded everyone that May is Bicycle Month. PEDESTRIAN SAFETY BOARD: Matt Cross stated that at the next meeting, April 10, 2017, the new City Manager, Paul Brake, will be attending and that they are looking forward to that. Mr. Cross also reported that the MPO is in the process of collecting pedestrian counts and expects to continue to collect data in the future. TRAFFIC CALMING REPORT: Damien Davis stated that the Traffic Calming Committee will be meeting with the Wiles Hill and South Park Communities to go over the Traffic Calming that will be installed this summer during our paving project. MONTHLY UPDATES: Damien Davis reviewed all the projects that are going to happen this summer. WVDOH is replacing 8 signals downtown, the City is: removing the tree bump-outs and replacing them with tree grates; paving 12 miles of roadway, installing 120 ADA ramps and installing several speedbumps; implementing the Third Street Streetscape; replacing Street Lights downtown; and implementing a beautification project at the intersection of Stewart Street and University Avenue. UNFINISHED BUSINESS: 1. Procedures for Traffic Commission: Jay Redmond stated that the committee is still working on the plan. 2. Baldwin Street: The Traffic Commission is still waiting on feedback from the community, the school and the Ward Council member. 3. Damien Davis reviewed the turning radius for the school bus and stated that the bus could make the turns in the neighborhood to get to the school although if cars were parked on the street the bus would have difficulty. Mr. Davis stated that the parking is already restricted for residents and he does not want to restrict it even more. Jay Redmond asked how the 5-ton restriction is decided. Damien Davis stated that he is unsure but he thinks that City Council should implement an ordinance, although the City Manager did order one be put on the streets around Jones Avenue to prevent the trucks from entering the neighborhood during the Construction of U Club Sunnyside. Discussion ensued. Jay Redmond moved to grant relief of the 5-ton weight limit on Listravia Avenue and Linnehurst Street to Trinity School for one year as a trial, one bus a day, two trips in and two trips out, without changing the current parking restrictions to the neighborhood. Paul seconded the motion. The motion passed with a 5-3 vote. Matt Cross, Martin Dombrosky, William Blosser, voted against the relief and Jay Redmond, Nick Wright, Paul Steel, Erica Hetzel and Chip Walmsley voted for the relief. New Business: None COMMISSION COMMENTS: 1. Erica Hetzel stated that it was good to see the traffic counters out and that she regrets that she will be unable to attend the May meeting. 2. Martin Dombrowski talked about the 4 way intersections and how when a light is out it should be treated as a 4-way stop. 3. Nick Wright stated he will not be able to attend the meeting in May. 4. Matt Cross remined everyone of Chocolate lover’s day on April 22 and to please pay attention to pedestrians always and for pedestrians to be safe always. 5. Jay Redmond reminded everyone of City Elections coming up on April 25. ADJOURNMENT: Paul moved to adjourn the meeting. Martin seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously. Meeting adjourned at 7:45pm.