HomeMy WebLinkAbout2008-08-19 Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Minutes
Transportation & Infrastructure Committee
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Minutes
Councilors Attending: Peter D’Errico, Frank Farrington, Patricia Blanchette, Susan
Hawes, Geoffrey Gratwick, Gerry Palmer, Harold Wheeler
Staff Attending: Jim Ring, Brad Moore, Dana Wardwell
Others Attending:
Committee convened at 5:00 p.m.
Regular Agenda
1. Route Expansion Discussions & Ridership Update
Joe stated that two partners, Orono and the University of Maine were looking
into expand, to place a downtown shuttle to serve UMO and the town of Orono
during the calendar school year. There were many requests from merchants at
those locations. They were looking to the State to provide vehicles for this
service at no cost to Bangor or any other transit partner. UMO and Orono to
share the cost of service, which was being calculated dependent upon the level
of service required. They asked Bangor to cost out service for twenty minute
headways with one small transit (i.e. similar to Hampden and Brewer transit).
The State could potentially provide two vehicles in late Spring. Negotiations had
started several months ago, but more intense now and more sincerity amongst
the two communities. Initially, the negotiations started with three communities
but Old Town had pulled out, however, they may join later. These vehicles
would carry the BAT logo with the hours of operation mirroring the current
system. Evening hours planned would be Monday thru Thursday until 8-9 p.m.,
Friday and Saturday until midnight. Councilor Palmer suggested shuttles for
short term service. Joe said he would pursue short term shuttling in the Bangor
area and the funds. He stated ridership had doubled from 400,000 in 1997 to
800,000 currently. This included the Fare Free Fridays. He also stated
passenger boarding and exit surveys were sent out three times daily and
compiled the information yearly. Councilor Wheeler joined the meeting. Joe said
the first ten days of the month were the busiest. No action to be taken by the
Committee.
2. Referral: Adopting Traffic Calming Policy – Council Order #08-252
Jim Ring referred to the memo on the draft policy provided in the packet. This
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was discussed at the August 5 meeting and a revised draft and memo resulted
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as requested by Councilor Blanchette. Councilor Palmer moved and it was
seconded to go to Council. Councilor Blanchette said she was not in favor of
another paper Ordinance and was not clear about the 49%-50% referenced.
Would the percentage include children, home owners, or renters? What would
make up that percentage; would they be turned down because there was only
49% not 50%. Councilor Palmer said it would be a roadmap for people who
want to know how the City got to that process and would help clear the air, be a
guide dog. Councilor Farrington stated he did not have a problem with this,
however, traffic flow and circulation hadn’t been addressed. Ed said in the
Comprehensive Plan there was a traffic section, which would be looked at. Jim
also noted that BACTS did improvements and focuses on such topics. Councilor
Hawes suggested to hold off as it may be putting the cart before the horse until
a special comprehensive committee was formed to address the Comprehensive
Plan regarding the traffic portion and that it would tie their hands. Ed stated
that this would fall under that and the Committee should look into subdivisions
because it would be a lot easier to address during the onset of development.
Councilor Blanchette referred to page 31, Section 4.0, 4.4 to bring the Council’s
attention that this section would tie the people’s hands. She used an example of
two people approaching their favorite Councilor to bring before the Council. She
also referenced the letter from the Superintendent of Schools regarding budget
cuts and the impact on bus routes, the streets would be more impacted by
children and their potentially walking further. She suggested to consider putting
this back on the table until the Comprehensive Plan Committee had plans for the
City. They may have a better plan, and enacting now would slow the process.
Jim said he was grateful for the compliments to Staff but Ed had done the lion’s
share of the draft. Ed said he reviewed fourteen policies around the country.
Councilor Gratwick said it was a work in progress, to have a policy in place that
the Staff felt was appropriate. He advised to be aware and protective of the
children, and to learn from past mistakes (i.e. Howard Street). Also noting this
wasn’t a solution, but to have a protocol. A motion was made and seconded
with a 3-1 vote. In favor: Councilor Farrington, Councilor D’Errico, and
Councilor Palmer; opposed: Councilor Blanchette. Fifth voting member,
Councilor Stone not present for voting. Councilor D’Errico said it was a good
image for the City to recognize a problem and to take action. Councilor
Blanchette expressed, once again, concerns regarding the 50% that was in the
draft policy. Councilor Gratwick invited Councilor Blanchette to come up with
different wording other than 50%. Ed said that when a citizen concern comes in,
the policy was explained and the next step would be talking to the Council. The
Council could choose to deal with it, or address the policy. Typically, they try not
to tell citizens they do not have any recourse. Councilor Wheeler said he was
not a voting member, however stated he was supportive of a policy. Councilor
D’Errico mentioned a sign “children at play” on his street, which Ed stated he
would talk with Jim about.
Motion by Councilor Blanchette and seconded to adjourn.
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