Sidewalk and Bikeway Sub-Committee 4-10-2012 Minutes
Sprenkel Room – South Windsor Town Hall
Roll Call
Members Present: M. Saud Anwar, Town Council
Ginny Hole, South Windsor Walk and Wheel Ways
Kevin McCann, Town Council
Robert O’Connor, South Windsor Walk and Wheel Ways
Members Absent: Cindy Beaulieu, Town Council
Also Present: Skip Bourke, South Windsor Walk and Wheel Ways
Ken Sek, South Windsor Walk and Wheel Ways
Deborah Reid, Clerk of the Council
1. Call Meeting to Order
The meeting was called to order at 7:17 p.m.
2. Approval of Minutes
Mr. O’Connor made a motion to approve the minutes of March 13, 2012. Ms. Hole seconded the motion; and they were approved, unanimously.
3. Discussion Items
A. Update on Sidewalk Ordinances
The Committee discussed holding a referendum for a certain amount of funds that would be put towards sidewalks in Town. It was a general consensus that that awareness would need to be raised regarding sidewalks throughout Town first.
Councillor McCann stated that at the last meeting there was a discussion on maintaining existing sidewalks. The sidewalk ordinance that requires homeowners to repair sidewalks abutting their property should be repealed. Councillor Anwar felt that would be a way to raise awareness.
Committee members discussed the liability of the sidewalks. It was stated that liability would depend upon the circumstances. It there is snow that is not removed from the sidewalk within 24 hours after a storm, the liability sits with the homeowner, but if there is a tripping hazard, the Town would be liable.
ITEM:
3. A. (Continued)
Councillor McCann stated he would call the Town Manager to discuss repealing the sidewalk ordinances. The Town Manager may have to discuss this item with the Town Attorney regarding liability issues.
3. B. Prioritize Trail Connections
Ms. Hole passed out and reviewed a list of Neighborhood Connectors from the approved South Windsor Walk & Wheel Ways Master Plan, as shown in attached Exhibit A.
The Committee discussed expectations for different connections and felt that Mr. Galligan should be informed of the Committee wanting connections done within a certain time period (two years) and if the Committee should contact staff. Some items on the list could be partnered with Safe Routes to School.
Councillor Anwar suggested that in order to get funds for different connections, trails could be named after a business for their help with costs.
Ms. Hole stated she would like to see these connections get put on the Plan of Conservation and Development, as well as the sidewalk plan.
3. C. Sidewalk Plan
The Committee discussed the sidewalk plan, Exhibit B and the creation of complete streets within the Town.
Councillor Anwar suggested that sidewalks be put into two categories, short term and long term. At a later stage, a referendum for sidewalks could be reviewed.
The Committee discussed the presentation of Complete Streets that will be done at the next Sidewalk & Bikeway Sub-Committee meeting scheduled on May 15, 2012 at 7:15 p.m.
ITEM:
3. D. Update on Avery Street Reconstruction – sidewalk or bike lanes
Update on Strong Road Reconstruction – bike lanes
Avery Street
It was felt that both sidewalks and a bike lane could not be implemented into the Avery Street plan but the space, if created, could be shared by people walking and biking which would alleviate the need to for homeowners to shovel a sidewalk. A safety standard could be implemented into the plan.
Strong Road
It was felt that the Committee should go back to the Engineering Department to discuss incorporating bike lanes on Strong Road.
Mr. O’Connor informed the Committee that the Police Department like the idea of share the road signs. The Police Department is reviewing areas where the signs could be placed. It was suggested that Chief Reed be contacted to discuss a sign being placed on Strong Road.
Mr. Bourke requested that Councillor McCann inform the Town Council about the Community Bike ride in May, Bike to Work day on May 18th, and Connecticut Trail Days at the Major Michael Donnelly Preserve on June 6th.
Councillor McCann suggested that every map have a legend and the scale.
4. Adjournment
At 8:50 p.m. Ms. Hole made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Mr. O’Connor seconded the motion; and it was approved, unanimously.
Respectfully submitted,
Deborah W. Reid
Council Clerk
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