Sidewalk and Bikeway Sub-Committee 9-11-2012 Minutes
Sprenkel Room – South Windsor Town Hall
Roll Call
Members Present: M. Saud Anwar, Town Council (left at 8:32 p.m.)
Kevin McCann, Town Council
Robert O’Connor, South Windsor Walk and Wheel Ways
Cindy Beaulieu, Town Council (arrived at 8:32 p.m.)
Members Absent: Ginny Hole, South Windsor Walk and Wheel Ways
Also Present: Skip Bourke, South Windsor Walk and Wheel Ways
Deborah Reid, Clerk of the Council
1. Call Meeting to Order
The meeting was called to order at 7:25 p.m.
2. Approval of Minutes (8/7/12)
Councilor Anwar made a motion to approve the August 7, 2012 minutes. Mr. O’Connor seconded the motion; and it was approved, unanimously.
3. Discussion items
A. Update on Sidewalk Ordinance
Councilor McCann explained that the sidewalk ordinance has been amended by the Town Attorney. There will only be a cost on sidewalks to the abutting landowner if damage is caused by the abutter or the abutter’s agent. The amendment includes repealing the sidewalk ordinances that impose twenty-five percent costs on the abutting landowner for new sidewalks. The notice that a sidewalk will be installed will be kept in the ordinance as well as the portion that provides an appeal provision. This ordinance will be brought to the Town Council for a public hearing and then after action by the Town Council will be necessary. The Town Attorney suggested adding language so the abutting landowners would also be responsible for removing debris from sidewalks, but it is felt at this time that could
wait. Councilor McCann stated that he hopes amending the ordinance will help with the installation of sidewalks throughout Town.
ITEM:
3. Discussion items (Continued)
B. Update on Connector Paths
Autumn Drive to Tallwood Drive - Committee members voiced concern regarding the width of the path. A car can fit on the path and there is nothing blocking the path from this happening. Suggestions were made of putting up signs “No Motorized Vehicles” or blocking the path with pillars at each end. Signs were something that the Committee would like to review further. This will be discussed with John Caldwell, Ray Favreau and Chief Reed. The cost for this connector path was $2,300.
Committee members discussed crosswalks and/or pedestrian signals on Town roads.
Nevers Road Park to Abbe Road Extension – the culvert is being worked on and is expected to be done by mid September.
Councilor McCann stated that there will be three projects completed relatively soon and the Committee should make sure that the Town staff continues to the next item on the list. Councilor McCann said he would address the signage for the connector of Autumn Drive to Tallwood Drive and a crosswalk or signage at the intersection of Ellington Road and Palmer Drive.
Mr. O’Connor suggested having Chief Reed discuss signage and/or crosswalks on State Roads with the State of Connecticut.
Mr. Bourke stated that Steve Wagner is working on marking an old foot path so that people could go from Kent Lane to P.R. Smith area. Mr. O’Connor added that Steve Wagner has gone in back of P.R. Smith to do some outlining of trails.
C. Update on the Sidewalk Plan and Public Feedback
Councilor McCann stated he has had feedback from two individuals on Clark Street. One of the individuals said the Town needs bicycle and pedestrian access (sidewalks) and the other one said they do not want sidewalks on their side of the street. Committee members discussed the need to get support from residents of the community and discussed different civic groups that the Committee felt may be interested in supporting sidewalks throughout Town. Different ways to educate residents about sidewalks is through channel 16, facebook and twitter. Committee members stated they would get letters and emails from supporters of sidewalks.
ITEM:
3. Discussion items (Continued)
D. Proposed Multiuse Paths
Councilor McCann introduced a plan produced by a developer, as shown in attached Exhibit A. Councilor McCann explained that developers proposed to connect Evergreen Walk with Town Center in conjunction with the creation of a Recreation Facility. Some of the paths are existing multiuse paths and some of the paths cross high tension lines. Councilor McCann stated that if this goes through it would be an opportune time to connect with C L & P to put access ways under the power lines or along side those power lines. Mr. Galligan said that C L & P is eager to do that. Committee members then discussed the different opportunities there would be to connect different areas. The plan would open a lot of opportunities.
Mr. Bourke questioned if a crosswalk should be considered for the bank that is going on the corner of Deming Street? Councilor McCann stated he would have to question that.
Mr. Bourke then questioned if a sidewalk is proposed while work on Deming Street is being done, from Deming Street to Buckland Road? Councilor McCann stated that it is in the works but will take approximately two years.
4. Miscellaneous Discussion
Mr. O’Connor informed the Committee that there will be a Bicycle Friendly Community Ceremony & Bike tour on Saturday, October 20, 2012 at 1:00 p.m. at Jacob’s View Pavilion. The schedule will be as shown in attached Exhibit B.
The next meeting was scheduled for October 9, 2012 at 7:00 p.m.
5. Adjournment
At 8:48 p.m. Mr. O’Connor made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Councilor Beaulieu seconded the motion; and it was approved, unanimously.
Respectfully submitted,
Deborah W. Reid, Council Clerk
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