Link back to Traffic Committee Meeting Minutes
TO: Board of Selectmen
FROM: Chief Taylor A. B. Mills
RE: Minutes of June 25, 2008 Traffic Committee Meeting
DATE: June 26, 2008
PRESENT: Sgt. Horte
Harry Sylvester
Leslie Kehoe
Michael Pevarnik
NOT PRESENT:
Lt. Haley
Paul Healey
Philip Resca
Sgt. Horte called the meeting to order at 7:10 PM. He made a motion to accept the minutes of the previous meeting that was seconded by Harry Sylvester with all in favor.
The first topic discussed was a Gardner Street resident’s request to extend the existing sidewalk to Whiting Street. Harry Sylvester explained that this request had been approved in the past, but there had never been funding available to complete the work. He suggested the best way to proceed would be to have a petition signed by all residents who would abut the new section of sidewalk. He said this would assist in the argument to request that the Selectmen put the funds for this project in escrow. After the petition was complete he suggested that they again come before the Traffic Committee. The residents agreed with this process.
The second topic discussed was a North Street resident’s request for an audible crossing signal on the traffic light at North Street and Rt. 3A. They explained they have a visually impaired son and felt an audible crossing signal would increase his and other pedestrian’s safety in crossing at this location. Sgt. Horte explained this would have to be done by Mass Highway because Rt. 3A is a state road. He had spoken to representatives of Mass Highway and explained to the residents the pros and cons of an audible signal. After discussion the Traffic Committee members agreed that this was a viable request. Sgt. Horte made a motion to recommend to the Board of Selectmen that a request be made to Mass Highway to install an audible crossing signal at this location.
Sgt. Horte explained that he had received many complaints from Town residents regarding trucks that use “Jake Brakes” to slow their vehicles down, particularly on Cushing Street and in the area of South School on Main Street. He had obtained a copy of an ordinance against “Jake Brakes” from the Town of Norwell and read it to the Committee Members. All agreed that this ordinance/by-law would benefit the Town of Hingham. Sgt. Horte made a motion to recommend that the Board of Selectmen look into instituting a by-law prohibiting the use of “Jake Brakes” throughout the Town of Hingham. Harry Sylvester seconded the motion with all in favor.
The last topic discussed was the cul-de-sac at the end of Hillside Terrace. Over time the cul-de-sac had been encroached upon and it no longer exists. Residents feel it should be resurrected so that emergency and other vehicles can turn around at the end of Hillside Terrace. Harry Sylvester felt that the Traffic Committee should ask for comments and opinions from the Fire and Police Chiefs before proceeding any further with this discussion. After these comments are received, the Traffic Committee will invite all residents of Hillside Terrace to attend a meeting to discuss this issue. At that time the Traffic Committee will make an informed decision on what to recommend to the Board of Selectmen.
The residents who had been invited to discuss “crossing flags” were not in attendance, so Traffic Committee members only briefly discussed this issue. They did not feel they were appropriate for the Town of Hingham so tabled this discussion.
Harry Sylvester made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:25 PM that was seconded by Leslie Kehoe.
cc: Town Clerk