Link back to Traffic Committee Meeting Minutes
TO: Board of Selectmen
FROM: Chief Taylor Mills
RE: Minutes of December 17, 2008 Traffic Committee Meeting
DATE: December 29, 2008
PRESENT:
Sgt. Horte
Harry Sylvester
Paul Healey
Philip Resca
Leslie Kehoe
NOT PRESENT:
Lt. Haley
Michael Pevarnik
Sgt. Horte called the meeting to order at 7:06 PM. He asked if there were any comments regarding the previous minutes. Paul Healey discussed parking at 3 Otis Street and felt it was a non-issue for the Traffic Committee, however Mr. Healey stated this use may be a problem for the Planning Board. Sgt. Horte made a motion that the minutes of the previous meeting be accepted. Leslie Kehoe seconded this with all in favor.
David Goodwin of 218 Gardner Street came before the Committee to discuss Dunkin Donuts customers parking on his property. He said the vehicles were mostly trucks and landscape trucks with trailers. He said this creates a problem when the school bus stops to pick up his son. His son has to walk around or between the trucks to get to the bus. After discussion, Committee members agreed this was a safety issue, and agreed with Mr. Goodwin’s request to install No Parking signs to prevent vehicles from parking on his property. Paul Healey made a motion that the Committee recommend to the Board of Selectmen that No Parking signs be posted from the property line of Dunkin Donuts past 218 Gardner Street down to Lot 38 on both sides of the street. Leslie Kehoe seconded this with all in favor.
Sgt. Horte had been asked to discuss putting a crosswalk on Main Street at Westmoreland Road by the Selectmen’s Office. Discussion ensued regarding requirements for crosswalks and sight distance at length. Members felt there was a lack of sight line distance, and felt this area did not meet other criteria. There was also discussion on where to place a crosswalk. Traffic Committee members stated they want to view this area before making a final decision. Sgt. Horte stated he would get data on traffic accidents at this location for the next discussion.
There was also a discussion regarding placement of a crosswalk at Main and Gardner Streets. Committee members felt this topic should be tabled until the time when the discussion takes place on the crosswalk at Main and Westmoreland.
Philip DeCola came before the Committee to discuss a problem in the area of 16 Pine Street where his ex-wife and children reside. This is next to Dolly’s Nursery School, and he states that during drop-off and pick-up times the vehicles speed down Pine Street and double park in the area. He stated his son has a heart condition, and he is concerned about EMT’s being able to respond to the residence during these times. Committee members agreed this was something that should be discussed. Mr. DeCola was asked to write a letter to the Traffic Committee so that this topic can be put on a future agenda. Paul Healey also suggested that he document these problems with photographs for the Committee members to view.
Sgt. Horte presented the Committee members with packets from the MBTA regarding bus stop signs and bus routes at the Hingham Shipyard. There was some discussion, but members felt they need time to review the documents before putting this on a future agenda. They also want to view the area before making any recommendation. Paul Healey said the Planning Board had not received these documents as of yet, and they too should discuss these topics.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:40 PM.