HomeMy WebLinkAbout2006-11-07 Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Minutes
Transportation & Infrastructure Committee
Tuesday, November 7, 2006
Minutes
Councilors Attending: Geoffrey Gratwick, Richard Stone, Anne Allen
Staff Attending: Ed Barrett, James Ring, Rebecca Hupp, Dana Wardwell
Others Attending: Citizen: Mr. Buckley
Committee convened at approximately 5:00 p.m.
Regular Agenda
1. Airport Passenger Service Position
Rebecca Hupp stated currently the Airport has one full time and several part time
employees. She explained the need for the additional, new position was due to
an increase in flights, in 2002 there were 500 flights and in 2006, 900. This
person would be primarily for nights and weekends when it’s the hardest time to
have coverage. This position would have to be advertised.
Ed Barrett commented there may be some adjustments made later depending on
the increase or decrease of need.
Motioned made to move and was seconded.
2. Airport Marketing Manager Position
As Rebecca explained, this position is vacant due to employee moving to an
accounting position within the Airport. This position is responsible for the
Halifax/Bangor Marketing Committee, also some domestic air service
development, press releases, passenger statistics, and customer care. Also there
has been some discussion regarding hiring for an administrative position, of
which the Marketing Manager would be responsible.
Councilor D’Errico stated this could be done via contract or as a regular
employee and motioned for passage, seconded by Councilor Allen.
3. Traffic Calming Techniques
Ed offered an overview explaining the purpose is to create a reason for traffic to
move slower. State also, to identify possible areas, to consider priorities and the
associated costs. He went on to list the different techniques:
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Curb Extensions: Primarily at intersections, which was tried at Mt. Hope
and Howard.
Choker: Pg 46, anywhere along street (visual narrowing is effective).
Example: Center Street
Crossing Islands: Pg 47, Visual break in a street, maybe placed at
intersection or mid block pedestrian crossing. Example: Harlow Street.
Chicanes: Pg 48, essentially making street curve. Example: West
Broadway, Buck, Norway, & Maple. Noting this is for long, wide straight
streets.
Councilor Allen questioned whether this could be done at the dead end
area of Howard Street.
Ed stated there would have to be enough right-of-way.
Mini-Circles: May be done at intersections or long stretches. This would
create all right hand turns. Example: Could be done on wider streets
such as Norway and Fairmount Park areas.
Speed Hump: Not speed bumps, they are raised, beveled platforms
placed in a series of 600 foot spacing. May prove to have a negative
impact for emergency vehicles and also produce drainage problems.
Speed Table: No explanation
Raised Intersection: No explanation
Raised Pedestrian Crossing: Raised pedestrian crossing which may be
grouped with an area of refuge/offset on street.
Gateways: No explanation
Landscaping: No explanation
Specific Paving Treatments: This is being started in the City. Example:
pedestrian cross walks downtown.
Serpentine Design: Pg 33, this would be appropriate before building a
street to incorporate into the design.
Woonerf: Pg 56, design comes from the Netherlands, in which you turn
residential streets into common space to be shared by vehicles and
people. In essence to create an obstacle course, speed would be
undesirable, in which the use of benches, trees, planters would break up
the street.
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There was some discussion on the narrowing of streets such as Buck and
Norway, and pricing of various techniques varies. The success is dependent
upon people, geometric, and will have to determine which is appropriate for
what area.
Jim Ring also added that some has been done in the state, and that proper
application and acceptance can eliminate or postpone the need for harder
controls such as traffic signals. Key elements: acceptance, education, and time,
as well as location. He offered an example of the roundabout project being
constructed on Maine Avenue as a traffic calming safety device. Winter locations
place more limiting factors, concern for pedestrian crossing and safety hazards,
vegetation may be fine however don’t want to create a blind spot or showing,
which the chicane might do. He also advised proper evaluation and referenced
Mt. Hope and Howard Street.
Ed indicated community acceptance must be considered and commented that a
couple of communities only implemented if there was a 75%-85% acceptance
from the public at public meetings.
Councilor Allen offered a point in case area of West Market Square where there
is traffic calming implemented.
Councilor D’Errico questioned the need for better speed control on residential
streets.
Ed responded that this was regulated by the State and would require legislation
for more flexibility. Speed limits are supposed to be established according to the
Uniform Manual of Traffic Control Devices-which is the Federal “Bible”-set so
85% of motorists are within five miles per hour of the speed limit. Traffic
volume is a factor. Design is more effective than speed limits, which Jim concurs
and adds the thought that if you can post it and can’t enforce it, traffic calming
would be more effective.
Councilor Allen expressed concern for the Federal Building/parking lot area, and
was informed there are plans in the works.
Dana spoke to the slowing of traffic, which also slows plow trucks.
Mr. Buckley, a concerned citizen informed the Committee of his interest in
speeding issues on Forest Avenue, from Garland to Mt. Hope and hoped it would
be taken into consideration. Concerned also with the BAT and other motorists
speed and presented the Committee with a petition hew had taken for these
issues.
Ed explained the BUS route review is in progress.
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Councilor Gratwick would like to see a policy and consider when slowing in one
area, travel effects in other thru areas and that it be at the onset of design. He
requested a list of injuries in certain locations of the City-such as in front of the
Federal Building/Post Office. Reference made to page 33 regarding colored
pavement, which Jim responded that it would be difficult with asphalt but with
concrete dye and staining, or possible use of Duratherm imprint system which is
costly.
Councilor Gratwick requested City Staff to research the use of concrete and steps
to incorporate, the total of problem areas of concern that could be conformed to
these designs.
Motion to adjourn was moved and seconded at approximately 6:09
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