HomeMy WebLinkAbout2010-11-02
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Traffic Safety Work Group ~ ~: ~
Minutes of the meeting of 2 November 2010. The meeting took place in the T ow1[Btlilding -
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Conference Room, 16 Broad Street, Nantucket, MA 02554. Members of the W~<3.roup present
were Jack Gardner, Arthur Gasbarro, Fire Chief Mark McDougall, Executive As~tant to th~own
Manager Erika Mooney, Department of Public Works (DPW) Assistant Director Mohamed ~ulsi,
Police Chief William Pittman and Commission on Disability Chair Mickey Rowland. TranspC1T't8tion
Planner Mike Burns was absent. Ms. Mooney called the meeting to order at 10:03 AM.
I. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
1. Approval of minutes of 5 October 2010; 19 October 2010. The minutes of 5 October 2010 and
19 October 2010 were approved by the unanimous consent of the meeting.
II. NEW BUSINESS
1. Intersection of Old South Road and Toombs Court: discuss possible improvements. Mr.
Gasbarro asked for this matter to be placed on the agenda for discussion, and noted that Toombs
Court is a well-used private way with access onto Old South Road. He suggested the installation of
a paved apron and the removal of a large pine tree at the corner. Mr. Nabulsi said the DPW will cut
back the brush immediately but the installation of an apron will depend on available funding, noting
that the pavement line item in the DPW budget is zero, as all paving is done with state Chapter 90
funds. Mr. Nabulsi estimated that paving an apron at the intersection would cost approximately
$10,000. A discussion followed regarding having the property owners installing an apron as there is
an increased commercial use on a residential, private road. Mr. Nabulsi inquired why this
intersection needs attention. Mr. Gasbarro replied that it is a spot he notices often that could be
improved, adding if there is no funding available the matter does not need to go any further. Mr.
Nabulsi noted the intersection could be stabilized with recycled asphalt, which the DPW already
has on hand and the only cost would be for labor to install. Mr. Nabulsi said he would discuss the
matter with DPW Director Jeff Willett.
III. OLD BUSINESS
1. Lincoln Circle: Parkino scenarios. Ms. Mooney reviewed various ideas discussed at the 19
October 2010 site visit, including shrinking the fence around the circle to increase the number of
parking spaces, eliminating parking in front of the stairs to Steps Beach, making the area in front of
the stairs drop-off only, and making the area in front of the stairs handicap parking. Mr. Nabulsi
stated that altering the circle to increase the number of parking spaces is not an easy fix, and
would require engineering and possibly a public hearing. Mr. Gardner said the deed to that circle of
land should be checked to see if parking is even allowed there. A discussion followed on
eliminating parking in front of the stairs vs. keeping the parking situation as it currently is. Chief
Pittman said he feels the group is trying to fix something that is not broken. No action was taken.
2. 34 Oranoe Street: Request for vellow line across from drivewav. Ms. Mooney explained that the
residents of 34 Orange Street previously requested a yellow line across the street from their
driveway to more easily allow them access in and out of the driveway, that Traffic Safety
recommended to take no action on the request, and that the owners have again requested a yellow
line. Ms. Mooney added that she has since discovered that the driveway at 34 Orange Street has
not been applied for or approved, and no curb cut has been applied for or approved. Chief Pittman
noted that the homeowners can apply for a residential parking permit for on-street parking. Mr.
Nabulsi stated that he met someone on site recently and does not feel there is a need for a yellow
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line. The group consensus is to recommend no action on the request, and to send a letter to the
homeowners requesting that they make their driveway legal. Mr. Gasbarro noted there is a similar
situation at 36 Orange Street.
Mr. Rowland noted that the curb at Orange and Main Streets by Mitchell's Book Comer still has a
lip and he would like to see it filled with asphalt. Mr. Nabulsi said the DPW will take care of it.
3. Discussion of Chapter 90 Funds "at risk". Chief Pittman noted that Nantucket's 20 MHP speed
zones are illegal and the Town needs approval from MassDOT and the Registry of Motor Vehicles
(RMV) to post such speed zones. He explained that it come to his attention with a recent local
court case that if someone is ticketed in a speed zone that is posted as 20 MPH and wanted to
push the issue that the speed zone is illegal in court, it could potentially jeopardize the Town's
Chapter 90 funds. Chief Pittman said the Town can apply to MassDOT and the RMV to establish
20 MPH speed zones on Island, noting that both agencies are understaffed and it is unclear how
long the review process takes, or he suggested making the entire Island a 20 MPH zone with
exceptions. He said the latter would involve a home rule petition which would require approval at
an Annual Town Meeting. A discussion followed. Mr. Gardner said he is in favor of a home rule
petition and suggested Ms. Mooney work with Town Counsel on the matter to put forward at the
2011 Annual Town Meeting. Mr. Nabulsi said he is not in favor of a home rule petition, but noted
that if the matter does go in that direction, the DPW could possibly have its consulting firm
MacTech look at the roads to determine which should be excluded from a 20 MPH zone. A
discussion followed. Mr. Gasbarro said now that the issue has been identified the Town should not
sit idle, but should either go forward with a home rule petition or make an application to MassDOT
and the RMV. It was agreed that Ms. Mooney will discuss the matter with the Town Manager.
IV. OTHER BUSINESS
1. Mr. Gardner discussed the recent County Commission meeting and the action taken by the
Commission regarding the proposed Prospect Street shared-use path and asked how the process
of getting a cost estimate for Prospect Street sidewalks will start. Mr. Nabulsi said he will
coordinate with Mr. Burns to get an estimate for reconstructing the existing Prospect Street
sidewalks. Mr. Gasbarro voiced his recommendation on how to get bicyclists from Prospect Street
to Madaket Road.
The meeting was adjourned at 11 :00 AM.
Approved the 4th day of January, 2011.