HomeMy WebLinkAboutTraffic Safety Work Group Agenda December 6, 2011 Packet_201402041315580019Traffic Safety Work Group Agenda
Tuesday, December 6, 2011, 2011 – 10:30 AM
Town Building Conference Room
16 Broad Street, Nantucket, MA
I. Public Comment
II. Other Business*
III. Approval of Minutes
1. Approval of Minutes of September 7, 2011 at 10:30 AM; October 13, 2011
at 10:30 AM.
IV. New Business
1. Request for yellow line/no parking on Mt. Vernon Street near intersection
of Milk Street.
2. Request for yellow line/no parking at 59 Easton Street.
V. Old Business
1. Discussion regarding Backus Lane/opening it to First Way.
VI. Adjournment
*For topics not reasonably anticipated 48 hours in advance of the meeting.
Draft Minutes for September 7, 2011
Page 1 of 5
TRAFFIC SAFETY WORK GROUP
Public Safety Facility Community Room, 4 Fairgrounds Road
Nantucket, Massachusetts 02554
~~ Minutes ~~
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
All or a portion of this meeting is being recorded.
If you plan to record this meeting yourself, please check with the chairman of the board before you begin.
Called to order at 10:33 p.m. Staff in attendance: Terry Norton, Minutes Taker
Members Present: Transportation Planner Mike Burns, Jack Gardner, Arthur Gasbarro, Executive Assistant
to the Town Manager Erika Mooney, Police Chief William Pittman, DPW Foreman John Smith
Members Absent: Fire Chief Mark McDougall, Assistant DPW Director Mohamed Nabulsi, Commission on
Disability Chair Milton Rowland
I. PUBLIC COMMENT
Gerry Scheide – In regards to an accident at corner of Pleasant Street and Williams Street, 84 Williams Street
has a high hedge. Are residents required to keep hedges trimmed? A small black car was obscured by the hedge
and I hit her lightly. Mooney - Hedge supposed to be no more than 36 inches above road grade. Encroachment
letter can be sent giving property owner 15 days of date of mailing to trim hedge. Pittman – Contact Selectmen’s
office to send an encroachment letter to homeowner.
II. OTHER BUSINESS
1. Pittman – CSOs patrolling bike paths and have made a list of missing signs along bike paths. Preparing
a report for Traffic Safety review.
2. Smith – As of late, right of way versus stakes as a result of construction crews parking all over the
street. DPW removed a number of stakes owners using to try to protect their property when in fact
stakes are on town property. A homeowner has threatened to sue DPW if the stakes are removed;
concerned about liability of Town. Mooney – According to by-laws, cannot place stakes in right of way
and are authorized to remove.
3. Mooney – At Chester and N Water Streets, stop signs being ignored and parking on the sidewalks.
III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Minutes of August 2, 2011 at 10:30 AM were approved as presented.
IV. NEW BUSINESS
1. Discuss making Highland Avenue one-way
Documentation Map of Highland Ave and surrounding roads
Presentation Mooney – Congestion on road is heavy; other roads between Grant and Cliff are all one-way.
Noted this morning that Cabot one-way toward Grant; Nantucket Ave one-way toward Cliff
Rd and Mooers Ave one-way toward Grant. Residents would prefer Highland Ave to become
one-way toward Grant/Lincoln Avenue
Public None
Discussion Burns – Have already made one side of Highland no parking. Gasbarro – Continue to
November? Discussion followed; consensus to wait until construction subsides.
Action Continued to February
2. Request for additional signage on Polpis Road bike path at intersection of Milestone Road
Draft Minutes for September 7, 2011
Page 2 of 5
Documentation Email from Celene Menschel
Presentation Mooney – reviewed email requesting additional signage on bike paths indicating major
intersections such as Polpis Bike path and Milestone Road
Public None
Discussion Burns – District 5 has been contacted
Action None
3. Request for speeding enforcement, prohibiting parking, and improved sight lines on Winn Street (end by
Madaket Road)
Documentation Email from John Sherman
Presentation Mooney – John Sherman of Madaket Road wants no parking on Winn Street and better
enforcement of speeding
Public None
Discussion Pittman – Speeding enforcement does not need to come to this committee. Tell Sherman the
issue has been passed on to the NPD for enforcement. Gardner – Not that many cars park
there.
Action Sherman’s concerns passed on to NPD for review and enforcement
4. Request to make South Beach Street Extension Loading Zone only
Documentation Letter from Annie Teasdale
Presentation Mooney – reviewed letter requesting loading zone only on South Beach Street Ext.
Public None
Discussion Pittman – Have told Annie Teasdale that if her drive is being blocked to call NPD.
Action No action
5. Discussion regarding parking on Ocean Avenue, Broadway, Centre Street and Shell Street in ‘Sconset
Documentation Email from Chief Pittman; letter from Sheila Todd
Presentation Pittman – NPD betting barraged with parking complaints regarding Ocean Avenue, claiming it
is so congested emergency vehicles could not get through. Pittman checked and noticed an
SUV that had the road blocked; agreed an ambulance or fire truck could not pass by Summer
House. Pittman attended a meeting of the Sconset Civic Association (SCA) and suggested that
parking be eliminated on Ocean Ave; other options could include eliminating grass shoulder
and widening road to full extent of Town ownership so there can be a parking lane. Banning
parking on Ocean will move parking to the already full side streets. Special events/functions
require someone to park vehicles. There are more events than off-duty police officers can fill.
Suggest creation of sub-committee, to include members of SCA, Traffic Safety and Summer
House, to look at situation.
Public Peter Carlson, owner, The Summer House – said could be more proactive with someone on the
street directing people to parking spaces and bringing attention to those improperly parked.
Traffic jam does affect the business. Valet parking is tricky as many people don’t want their
vehicle touched, and finding a professional valet is not an easy task. Pressure points are Fri &
Sat nights in July & August; willing to have employee manage parking those days only.
Mark Donato, president, SCA – Understand lower end of street went to the town with the
intent that there be parking for 8 vehicles. Like the idea of a sub-committee.
Kit Murphy – Biggest problem with parking is Thursday through Sunday.
Draft Minutes for September 7, 2011
Page 3 of 5
Discussion Gardner - People don’t like where the parking is allowed and ignore the signs and yellow lines.
Burns – Private business is causing the issue and could ask if they have any ideas. Perhaps
valet parking that puts vehicles out of the area. Gasbarro – likes idea of improving parking
shoulder, possibly remove grass and install grass crete; come up with a plan to present to SCA.
Gardner – years ago liquor licenses requires having an establishment’s staff person in charge
of parking. Mooney – To place a stipulation on the license, a letter must be submitted to Board
of Selectmen with comments before the seasonal license is renewed in March. Sheila Todd
submitted request to ban parking Broadway, Centre Street and Shell Street as well.
Action Possible form sub-committee consisting of members of Traffic Safety, SCA and Summer
House to address parking issues on Ocean Ave. No action on request for no parking on
Broadway, Center and Shell Streets.
6. Request for traffic sign at intersection of Burnell and Clifton Streets in ‘Sconset
Documentation Email from Alice Malone
Presentation Mooney – Since it was paved, Burnell Street has been used as a cut through to avoid Sconset
village and vehicles are speeding. This specific request is for installation of stop or yield on
Clifton street going west as it intersects Burnell and a yield sign going south on Burnell so that
motorists can anticipate a dangerous intersection.
Public Kit Murphy - she lives on corner of Burnell and Coffin – cars do speed down the road now that
it is paved; requested a stop sign at Coffin and Burnell. After a second summer, something
really needs to be done at that corner.
Donato – in agreement with Murphy
Discussion Traffic Safety discussed appropriate uses for stop and yield signs. Pittman – a yield sign could
possibly be warranted at that intersection. There seems to be a lot of foot traffic out there.
Hesitant to put up stop signs because people don’t look at them anyway; but yield signs are a
different story. Could place a “slow-children” sign. Gasbarro – suggested installation of stop
sign on Clifton; cut back brush and install intersection sign on Burnell.
Action Place a stop on Clifton at intersection of Burnell and yield on Burnell and cut back vegetation.
7. Request for stop sign on Miacomet Road at intersection of dirt road and Pond View Drive; reduced
speed limits; four-way stop at Miacomet Road and Surfside Road.
Documentation Emails from Chief Pittman, John Devaney, Sandy MacDonald
Representing Mooney – reviewed emails, re: issues with speeding, request for stop sign, 4-way stop at
Surfside Rd/Miacomet Rd intersection
Public None
Discussion Gardner – Had a stop sign coming out of Pond View; if it is gone, should be put back.
Resident at that corner removes sign because it obstructs view of pond. Smith – speed limit is
posted. Pittman – can’t post as 10 PMH
Action Install stop sign on Pond View as intersects with Miacomet Rd. No action on 4-way stop at
Miacomet & Surfside.
8. Request of yellow line at 46 Easton Street
Documentation Letter from Anne Stinnett; map of property
Presentation Gardner – Resident wants yellow line; claims she cannot get out of driveway. Suggest she not
back out; lot is big enough to turn around in.
Public None
Discussion Smith – will check to make sure yellow line is in place and proper width
Action Yellow line will be widened if Smith feels current line is too short
Draft Minutes for September 7, 2011
Page 4 of 5
9. Request to limit parking on one side only on Walsh Street between Easton Street and East Lincoln
Avenue.
Documentation Email from Linwood Butler
Presentation Mooney – Butler of the Brandt Point Area Plan Work Group asking for limited parking. Need
to come up with area plan first then address parking issues.
Public None
Discussion Pittman – Suggest if banning parking, ban it on W side of street. Need to base this on area
plan.
Motion No action to be taken until Brant Point Area Plan approved as don’t want this request to
impact other aspects of plan.
10. Request for yellow lines at corner of Derrymore Road.
Documentation Map of subject corner of Derrymore Road
Presentation Jim Cranston – Requested yellow lines on both side of street from Delaney Road around the
corner to the fire hydrant. A car has been parked there all summer which makes taking the
corner safely difficult. Traffic is increasing on that road.
Public None
Discussion Gardner – A high hedge adds to the issue. Smith – there was a yellow line at the hydrant. The
McAuley’s mail box also extends into the right of way.
Action Paint lines as requested; have Diane O’Neil send encroachment letter to McAuley/20
Derrymore Rd to move back mailbox
11. Review curb cut request for 8 Pine Street resulting in loss of on-street parking.
Documentation Curb cut application; property maps; photo
Presentation Gasbarro recused. Mooney – Curb cut will not eliminate a parking space but requires a hydrant
to be relocated. Will follow up with Bob Gardner to discuss hydrant relocation.
Public None
Discussion None
Action Mooney will speak with Bob Gardner about hydrant relocation.
V. OLD BUSINESS
1. Review prior recommendation regarding Macy’s Lane in light of abutter letter.
Documentation Emails from Orla Murphy-Lascola, Robert Sarkisian, Town Manager; Traffic Safety 7/26/11
recommendation to Board of Selectmen; map with recommendation
Presentation Mooney – Traffic Safety recommended in July to BOS to make no parking on west side of
Macy’s Lane. Resident Burt Ryder now has “buyer’s remorse” and wants no parking on the
east side. Do we want to keep it as originally recommended or change to east side?
Public None
Discussion Burns and Gardner - Did the right thing.
Action Leave as originally recommended.
2. Berkley Avenue – discuss possible widening and posting as no parking.
Documentation Email from Louis Gerstner; map; photos
Presentation Mooney – Traffic Safety discussed widening road after site visit but abutters think that is not a
good idea. In favor of widening.
Public None
Draft Minutes for September 7, 2011
Page 5 of 5
Discussion Gardner – Like all beaches and we need more parking. Pittman – Had a situation where cars
were parking down by Monomoy beach and a resident complained. Monomoy beach is Land
Bank property, which wants to ban parking by the stairs. Smith – Parking and turn around by
the beach stairs has been discouraged.
Action Mooney will speak with Town Manager. Consensus of Traffic Safety is to widen Berkley Ave
and providing additional spaces for parking
VI. ADJOURNMENT
Motion to Adjourn at 11:55 AM
Submitted by:
Terry L. Norton
Draft Minutes for October 13, 2011
Page 1 of 3
TRAFFIC SAFETY WORK GROUP
Public Safety Facility Community Room, 4 Fairgrounds Road
Nantucket, Massachusetts 02554
~~ Minutes ~~
Thursday, October 13, 2011
All or a portion of this meeting is being recorded.
If you plan to record this meeting yourself, please check with the chairman of the board before you begin.
Called to order at 10:33 p.m. Staff in attendance: Terry Norton, Minutes Taker
Members Present: Transportation Planner Mike Burns, Jack Gardner, Arthur Gasbarro, Fire Chief Mark
McDougall, Executive Assistant to the Town Manager Erika Mooney, Police Chief William Pittman,
Commission on Disability Chair Milton Rowland, DPW Foreman John Smith
Members Absent: Assistant DPW Director Mohamed Nabulsi
I. PUBLIC COMMENTS
None
II. OTHER BUSINESS *
1. As-built driveway in public way at 14 Lincoln Avenue
Documentation None
Presentation Mooney – homeowner installed a driveway completely within right of way. Andrew Vorce
will not sign off on CO.
Public None
Discussion Gardner – This will be an issue as there is no parking on that side of the street. McDougall –
Concerned that there are two driveways – one on Lincoln and one on Capaum Pond Road.
Pittman – Say No. Burns – Needs to conform
Action Recommend against BOS approving the curb cut
2. Gasbarro – Should we provide letter of support for Hummock Pond Road bike path? Mooney – no need,
BOS and Town Admin already in support.
III. NEW BUSINESS
1. Review various concerns regarding possible traffic issues on York Street and Prospect.
Documentation Letter from Maria Pino; GIS map
Presentation Mooney – reviewed Ms. Pino’s concerns regarding York and Prospect: traffic should be
redirected around veterans memorial, speed bumps should be raised to slow traffic, not permit
commercial vehicles, enforce speed limit, etc.
Public None
Discussion Mooney – Against any change to the memorial area. Pittman – The best solution would be to
square off the intersection somehow; but that is not a priority. It is a poorly designed
intersection. Speeding is not a factor; the average speed is not high.
Work Group not in favor of turning York Street into one way, raising height of the speed
bump, restricting against commercial vehicles, and no jersey barriers. Could put up a blind
drive sign.
Action Resident should look at driveway improvements and discuss abutting hedge height with
neighbor; DPW to install “Blind Driveway” signage.
Draft Minutes for October 13, 2011
Page 2 of 3
2. Discuss possibility of opening First Way to Backus Lane
Documentation Email from Town Manager; GIS map
Presentation None
Public None
Discussion Gardner – Looked at it once before. Pittman – In favor of opening up First Way to Backus
Lane. School is marking their portion of the road and putting in speed bumps. It would be nice
for someone to develop the lots and clean them up. Mooney – Would have to go across a small
portion of private property. Gasbarro – Parcels 6.6 and 6.7 would be the affected lots. Smith –
The connector would have to be paved.
Action Recommend opening up Backus Lane to First Way if all road issues worked out.
3. Review concerns regarding speeding on Somerset Road
Documentation Email from Mike Burns
Presentation Burns – Complaints about drivers who come out from dirt onto paved spinning wheels and
trucks. Resident set out a rubber speed bump (it is privately owned there). Renter is making
complaint; have not heard from the property owner.
Public None
Discussion Pittman – Everything from dirt down is private; the newly paved section was done by
residents. Have looked at the issue before.
Action No action taken.
4. Request for yellow line next to 104 Main Street
Documentation Letter from Richard Gibbs
Presentation Mooney – Reviewed Mr. Gibbs’ request for yellow line next to drive at 104 Main St
Public None
Discussion Smith – Used to paint yellow lines on that section of Main to Caton Circle. Pittman – Parking
is challenging due to number of yellow lines. If this results in the loss of a space, is against it.
Gardner – Owns a wide piece of property and could widen driveway.
Action Recommend no action; recommend homeowners call NPD if driveway access is blocked
5. Request to move signs on Oak Street closer to street
Documentation None
Presentation Mooney – When Dreamland project blocked Oak Street to parking, no parking signs were
installed. Claimant says the signs are not close enough to the road and can’t see the signs.
Public None
Discussion Gasbarro – The night the claimant got the ticket, he observed the situation and there were other
cars parked along that road and she was the only one with the ticket. He had to go look for the
signs; there was one at the end of the street. Gardner – If the signs are on the curb, you open
your door into the sign; believe current situation is fine. Pittman – Suggest Department of
Public Works look at the situation.
Action Recommend no official action; DPW will look at sign placement
V. OLD BUSINESS
1. Review of parking on New Street, ‘Sconset
Documentation Email from Mike Burns
Presentation Mooney – Traffic Safety previously recommended no parking on corner of New and Burnell;
yellow lines were painted. Parking to be allowed on New Street.
Public None
Draft Minutes for October 13, 2011
Page 3 of 3
Discussion Mooney – Thought this was a done deal. Smith/DPW to check to see if signs are still up.
Burns – According to a resident, as of a couple of weeks ago, the no parking signs are still
there.
Action Smith will have someone check into it; and if the no-parking signs are there, they will be
removed.
2. Parking on Macy’s Lane
Documentation None
Presentation Pittman – Selectmen wants Traffic Safety to do assessment of Macy’s Lane parking ban.
Police have not been writing tickets because there are no signs. Don’t know if they were
removed or never put up.
Public None
Discussion Smith – Last he heard, there was action concerning the south side; but Department of Public
Works wasn’t expected to put the signs up. Mooney – Selectmen agreed with Traffic Safety
recommendation for no parking on west side; DPW should move forward with painting lines
and installing signage. Gasbarro - At intersection of Macy’s and Hinsdale, parking should be
restricted up to 20 feet before the intersection; that end is completely bottle necked.
Action DPW will paint went side of Macy’s Lane indicating no parking, as well as 20’ on east side at
intersection of Macy’s and Hinsdale with a no parking here to corner sign.
3. Walsh Street parking
Documentation None
Presentation McDougall – NFD couldn’t get ambulance down Walsh Street this summer due to parking; the
main problem is the size of vehicles along the road. Only an issue in the summer months.
Public None
Discussion Mooney – Brandt Point Association suggested parking on one side. Traffic Safety has
recommended waiting until Brant Point Area Plan is complete. Rowland – Brant Point Area
Plan is a long way from complete. Pittman – If we could tow abandoned vehicles, people
would learn quickly. Police can only ticket at this time.
Action Recommend no action at this time.
4. Willard Street – two drives for the same house.
Documentation None
Presentation Smith – Received a complaint about two driveways at 26 Willard Street.
Public None
Discussion Smith – Looked at it and at this time it is still under construction. Will have to wait until that is
done to have a good look at it.
Action None at this time.
VI. ADJOURNMENT
Motion to Adjourn at 11:21 AM.
*For topics not reasonably anticipated 48 hours in advance of the meeting
Submitted by:
Terry L. Norton
From:Mike Burns
To:Erika Mooney
Subject:RE: Have you sent me anything lately for TSWG?
Date:Tuesday, November 22, 2011 12:01:25 PM
Attachments:Mt Vernon - parking request - 112111.pdf
I got this yesterday. I told Ms. Strain that I’d scan the drawing and send it to TA. She essentially
wants one parking space removed (extend the yellow line) from Mt Vernon St near the intersection of
Milk St Ext. This is intended to reduce the conflict between the two way traffic near the intersection.
I’m away from Nov 30th to Dec 7th, so I will miss the meeting.
____________________T. Michael Burns, AICPTransportation Planner
Nantucket Planning Office
2 Fairgrounds RoadNantucket, MA 02554PH: 508-228-7237
FAX: 508-228-7298
From: Erika Mooney Sent: Tuesday, November 22, 2011 11:36 AMTo: Mike BurnsSubject: Have you sent me anything lately for TSWG?
Erika
Erika D. MooneyExecutive Assistant to the Town ManagerTown of Nantucket508-228-7266 Direct508-228-7255 Town Administration508-228-7272 Fax
Additional InfoTown of Nantucket Web GIS Owner Address109 BALSAM SQUARE POUGHKEEPSIE, NY 12601 Last Sale Date01/19/2007Last Sale Price$0Book/Page01062/0055Lot Size0.30 acresLand Use 1 Code1010Land Use 1 DescSingle Fam M01Land Use 1 %100Land Use 2 CodeLand Use 2 DescLand Use 2 %0Out Building Value$600Ex. Feature Value$4,400Improvement Value$582,900Total Exempt$0Total Value$1,331,400Utility"Public Water,Public Sewer"Land ClassRZoneR1Zoom In OutUse of this facility is dependent upon acceptance and understanding of Use Conditions and Data Caveats contained on the Home & Additional Information pages.55.4.4 33STRAIN ANNE P TRST ETAL16 MT VERNON STLocationProperty IDOwnerCo-OwnerLabel Parcels withParcel IDOrtho PhotosAerial 2007Printable MapPage 1 of 1Town of Nantucket Web GIS - Map Page12/1/2011http://host.appgeo.com/nantucketma/Map.aspx
Additional InfoTown of Nantucket Web GIS Owner AddressPO BOX 667 NANTUCKET, MA 2554 Last Sale Date10/22/1996Last Sale Price$515,000Book/Page00518/0128Lot Size0.07 acresLand Use 1 Code1230Land Use 1 DescDORMITORY M01Land Use 1 %100Land Use 2 CodeLand Use 2 DescLand Use 2 %0Out Building Value$0Ex. Feature Value$2,500Improvement Value$577,000Total Exempt$0Total Value$1,662,400Utility"Public Water,Public Sewer"Land ClassRZoneR1Zoom In OutUse of this facility is dependent upon acceptance and understanding of Use Conditions and Data Caveats contained on the Home & Additional Information pages.42.4.1 88.1NANTUCKET YACHT CLUB59 EASTON STLocationProperty IDOwnerCo-OwnerLabel Parcels withParcel IDOrtho PhotosAerial 2007Printable MapPage 1 of 1Town of Nantucket Web GIS - Map Page11/22/2011http://host.appgeo.com/nantucketma/Map.aspx
From:Mike Burns
To:ackjack34@msn.com; Arthur Gasbarro; COMDIS; Erika Mooney; John Smith; Libby Gibson; Mark McDougall;Mickey Rowland; Mohamed Nabulsi; William Pittman
Subject:FW: Superintendent"s Coffee Minutes
Date:Thursday, October 20, 2011 11:03:17 AM
Attachments:Superintendent Coffee Minutes.docx
FYI – see page one item #3 regarding Backus Lane.
____________________T. Michael Burns, AICPTransportation Planner
Nantucket Planning Office
2 Fairgrounds RoadNantucket, MA 02554PH: 508-228-7237
FAX: 508-228-7298
From: Venessa Moore [mailto:venessa.km@gmail.com] Sent: Thursday, October 20, 2011 10:58 AMTo: Mike BurnsSubject: Fwd: Superintendent's Coffee Minutes
you will see in the minutes about Backus Lane and them getting the consultant back, what doyou think?
Venessa
---------- Forwarded message ----------From: Cozort, Michael <cozortm@nps.k12.ma.us>
Date: Thu, Oct 20, 2011 at 10:05 AMSubject: Superintendent's Coffee Minutes
To: acktraveller <acktraveller@earthlink.net>, "Amy Hinson (amy@ackdoc.com)"<amy@ackdoc.com>, "Denese Allen (denallen@comcast.net)" <denallen@comcast.net>,
"Denise Hall (ackrdhall@comcast.net)" <ackrdhall@comcast.net>, Donna Muhr<dmuhr@comcast.net>, Donovan Kerr <newlifenantucket@msn.com>, "Elizabeth Davies
(elizadavies@comcast.net)" <elizadavies@comcast.net>, Holly McGowan<hollymcgowan@comcast.net>, Jana Duarte <K3DSTARR@comcast.net>, Janelle D'Aprix
<daprixj@comcast.net>, Jayne Culkins <Jaydiamond01@aol.com>, Jenn Iller<jennailler@gmail.com>, "Jill Roethke (jroethke@comcast.net)" <jroethke@comcast.net>,
"Kim LaRue (klarue7@tds.net)" <klarue7@tds.net>, Leslie Bresette<leslie.bresette@gmail.com>, Liliana Dougan <dlmdougan@comcast.net>, Margot
Montgomery <ni02554@comcast.net>, "Mary Beth Bradley (lmbtbradley@comcast.net)"<lmbtbradley@comcast.net>, "Melissa Patterson (nativegirlm@gmail.com)"
<nativegirlm@gmail.com>, "Nini LaFarge (islandalpaca@yahoo.com)"<islandalpaca@yahoo.com>, "pjgoddard@comcast.net" <pjgoddard@comcast.net>, "Stacey
McEachern (peterstacey@comcast.net)" <peterstacey@comcast.net>, "Susan Campese(campese@comcast.net)" <campese@comcast.net>, "Susan Richards
(susanoncobble@gmail.com)" <susanoncobble@gmail.com>, "Tammy Belanger(acu4yu@aol.com)" <acu4yu@aol.com>, Tim Comings <tcomings@fcsnantucket.org>, Tina
Steadman <tbsteadman@comcast.net>, Venessa Moore <venessa.km@gmail.com>, "ZonaButler (zona01@comcast.net)" <zona01@comcast.net>
Superintendent Coffee Minutes
Thursday, October 20, 2011
Superintendent’s Report:
Nantucket Public School MCAS Results – Mr. Cozort reviewed the MCAS (Massachusetts state
assessment) results for grades three through ten on Nantucket. He explained state assessments
and their purposes, underscoring the concept of Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP). He
highlighted the positive and negative aspects of AYP. After reviewing the AYP results for each
of our schools, he clarified how the schools would look at the data from the disaggregated groups
to inform instruction. The good news is that NES made AYP in Language Arts and showed
improvement in both Language Arts and Mathematics. The middle school has maintained a
strong score in Language Arts, but the score in mathematics was disappointing and needs to be
addressed. The high school was commended for its outstanding scores in both subjects.
Discussion:
1. One parent expressed that her son is having a better year than last, but cited a continuing concern
for a lack of communication from grade seven teachers. Mr. Cozort will speak with Mr.
Meadows and have him follow up with the parent.
2. A parent commended the high school teachers for their accessibility. Her daughter is in tenth
grade and has had a great experience thus far this year.
3. A parent asked about the traffic pattern at NES. It was pointed out that the afternoon still seems
to be challenging at times, particularly on rainy days when even more parents pick up their
children. It was suggested that it might be appropriate to bring in the firm that originally
designed the system to re-evaluate it. Mr. Cozort shared that he believes the original design
probably did not anticipate that 90% of the elementary parents would drive and pick up their
children at this site. There has also been some discussion with town officials about opening up
the end of Backus Drive. This opened up a further discussion about the need for crosswalks on
Backus.
Next meeting – Thursday, November 17, 2011 at 5:30 p.m. (for those who cannot always come to a
morning meeting.