Traffic Committee: Minutes of July 9, 2009 Meeting
Somesville Fire Station Meeting Room
July 20, 2009
Attendance:
Voting Members: Jean Fernald, Phyllis Partridge, Sam Coplon and Diane Young.
Non-voting members: PWD Tony Smith and PD Chief Jim Willis.
Public: John Lawrence, Jim Bright, Mimi Miller and Selectman Marilyn Damon.
1. Call to Order: 4:12 P.M.
2. Minutes: None to consider.
3B. This item was taken out of order due to item 3A sponsor Jim Bright having not yet arrived for the meeting. Chief Willis presented a letter sent to him dated July 7, 2009 from Penny Fernald, a copy of which will be included with these minutes upon their approval by the Committee members. Ms. Fernalds concern was the congested parking along the streets near the intersection of Huntington Road and Harbor Drive during the Framer’s Market. Chief Willis stated that the part-time summer officer observes the traffic in this area to address any problems. It was agreed that Chief Willis and John Lawrence would address the problem with representatives of the Farmer’s Market.
3C. Item taken out of order as above (Jim Bright arrived at 4:22, shortly after this discussion started). After Chief Willis explained the reason for John Lawrence being in attendance, Mr. Lawrence explained that he lived in an apartment located in Buddy Browns’ building on Main Street. He stated he also conducted Chamber of Commerce business from there as well. He explained that in the summer he has to move his car from a Main Street parking spot or town-owned lot every two hours or receive a parking ticket. In the winter he is unable to park on Main Street due to the overnight parking ban related to snow plowing. He asked if the Committee would consider designating him a parking spot, preferably in the Town parking lot adjacent to the Knowles Company building. He indicated that he was not interested in a
spot in the Gray Cow lot because he could not keep an eye on his car and the distance it was from his apartment. Mr. Lawrence presented a letter signed by Terry Renault, a copy of which will be included with these minutes upon their approval by the Committee members, supporting Mr. Lawrence’s request and stating that he at times faces the same problem he does. No one knew just how many tenants along Main Street faced the same issue.
It was pointed out by Mr. Bright that Buddy Brown has two parking spots behind his building designated for his tenants occupying his newest apartment. These spots were required when Buddy Brown was granted permission by the town to have this apartment. The apartment occupied by Mr. Lawrence does not have this same landlord requirement. Marilyn Damon stated that she felt it was the obligation of the landlord to coordinate tenants parking.
Mr. Lawrence and Chief Willis agreed to research the issue.
3A. Chief Willis introduced the issue Mr. Bright had requested be put on the agenda – parking and sight distance safety issues near the Parkman Mountain parking lot on Route 198. Jim Bright. Mr. Bright and Chief Willis explained that vehicles parked on each side of the road north and south of the entrance to the parking lot made for dangerous conditions. Sam Coplon agreed and stated the representatives of the Island Explorer were considering a bus pullout in the same general area. Chief Willis pointed out that the local police departments regulate parking on State highways. It was agreed that Mr. Coplon, Mr. Bright and Chief Willis would conduct a site visit to collect information to provide to the selectmen with a request to change the parking ordinance relative to Parkman Mountain. The committee
members agreed to support the request of the three without first having to review it.
E. Assignments: As described above.
Fa. Mimi Miller asked about the trailers being parked at the pullout on the just past Pedder’s Corner as you are entering Northeast Harbor. Chief Willis stated the issue had arisen in the past with no action being taken by the selectmen due to the number of pullouts we have in town and the difficulty with regulating them. Chief Willis stated that the specific use of the pullouts is not defined in our ordinances or elsewhere.
Fb. Mr. Bright asked if a yellow line could be painted along the Main Street curb near the intersection of Main Street and Neighborhood Road to prohibit parking. No action was taken.
Fc. Ms. Damon asked about the speed trailer. Chief Willis explained that the process to request a specific location by the public was to go to the police department and get on a list to have it placed where you would like it to go. The police department will then consider the request as theta work down the list. Most committee members seemed to have an opinion as to where they think the trailer should be set.
4. The date and time of the next meeting is TBD.
5. Adjournment: 5:32 (Sam Coplon-Diane Young: 4-0).
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