Mount Desert Traffic Committee
Minutes from meeting of January 12, 2006
· The meeting was called to order at 4:00, in attendance were members; Tony Smith, Sam Coplon, Sydney Rockefeller, Kathy Fernald Blake, Paulie Johnson, Jim Willis and member of the public, Anne Funderburk.
· The minutes of the November 09, 2005 meeting were approved
· We moved forward on the agenda to hear comments from Anne Funderburk. Anne explained that she was involved in a motor vehicle accident on Rt. 198, between the traffic signal light and where the water comes close to the road up from Weinberger’s, a few weeks ago. Anne said this is where a young girl was killed a few years ago and that a woman at her insurance company told her this was a bad stretch of road for accidents. Anne attributes her accident, which resulted in $17,000 in damage to her vehicle; to black ice and thinks other accidents in the area were caused by similar conditions. She knows that trees were trimmed there by DOT to
allow for better melting by the sun, but wonders if enough is being done to keep this area safe. Anne asked if she could obtain data to help her determine if there is a problem, and if there is, what can we do about it? Tony Smith explained the history with the tree trimming in the area and Jim Willis described the type of data available from the police department. Sydney said she has experienced trouble with slippery conditions in this area as well. The committee agreed that Jim would provide data to members via e-mail before the next meeting and Tony would contact DOT to make them aware of the concerns voiced today. Anne asked if they could at least put up a sign indicating slippery road.
· We next discussed weight restrictions for Whitney Farm and Ripples Road. Tony brought a suggestion from the Select Board of 23,000 pounds. Jim checked the existing weight limits within the ordinance and learned that the few roads that are posted are posted at 10,000 pounds. We discussed that a 10,000-pound limit would likely exclude all but passenger car traffic. The roads currently restricted are Sargent Drive, Cooksey Drive and Rock End Road. Jim asked if we should remain consistent with the weight restriction and asked if signage could be improved on the roads with existing weight limits. The committee agreed that the
ordinance should be changed to reflect a 10,000-pound weight limit on Whitney Farm Road and Ripples Road. Tony suggested that contractors needing to work on these restricted roads be required to obtain a permit prior to operating heavy vehicles on these roads. Jim and Tony said they would work together on creating language for changing the traffic ordinance and for the signage involved.
· Jim Willis said there are still things in the traffic ordinance that are inconsistent with current practice. He said one example was the section that says vehicles with more than one boat on a trailer are prohibited from using Bartlett Landing. We discussed the daily commercial use of that area by kayak companies. Sam asked if Jim would identify the inconsistencies collectively and bring them with the recommended weight restrictions for Whitney Farm and Ripples Road to our next meeting; he said he would.
· We discussed roadside parking in front of the former Union Trust Bank. Committee members remembered being charged with observing the area and nobody recalls seeing anyone parked there for quite some time. With the bank now closed we did not think this issue needed further discussion at this time. This launched discussion about the overall traffic situation in Somesville. Kathy asked if there could be a sign with lights like the one in Bar Harbor to warn of pedestrians as you enter the area near the One Stop. The complications created by the design of the One Stop’s parking lot were discussed. We discussed “traffic calming” methods and Sam said he would call someone at DOT to further discuss the issue and report back to us.
· We discussed parking at the Marina or “harbor” area, specifically whether or not to provide dedicated parking to fishermen. This issue was tabled a few meetings ago to allow the Harbor Committee to act on the issue. The Harbor Committee recommended that nothing be changed from current practice. The committee agreed to support their position and recommend any changes.
· We discussed Sandra Graves driveway situation as she described to Jim Willis via e-mail several months ago. Tony and Jim conducted a site visit in the fall. Tony will have the crew paint out a spot for no parking near her driveway in an effort to keep it from getting blocked this summer. The committee agreed this issue could be taken off our agenda.
· Because of time constraints and other commitments several members had the meeting was adjourned at 5:00. We agreed to discuss the following items not reached today, at our next meeting;
o Document review for the comprehensive planning committee.
o Follow through on weight restrictions for Steamboat Warf Rd. in its entirety, New County Rd. in its entirety and Maple Lane from its intersection with Neighborhood Road to its intersection with South Shore Road.
o Roadway obstructions update
o Signage research report – Sam Coplon and Sydney Rockefeller
Respectfully submitted by James Willis
Our next meeting is February 09, 2006 at 4:00 PM in the Meeting Room.
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