Transportation Committee (TC) Minutes of 10-8-24
Next meeting: Thursday, November 14, 8:30 am, HHI Conference Room
Present: Mary Day Mordecai (chair), Russ Cobb, Earl Horn, Ned Hulbert, Roxanne Karter, Steve LaMears (Police Chief), Kully Mindeman, Don Scott, Kate Neary, Absent: Ryan Whitford Guest: John Knight
- Boat Ramp Sign – Mary Ann has ordered the sign and Wes has been informed. It should be up soon.
- Installation of new speed limit sign near school – NHDOT has put up new sign near one of the school speed radars. The sign indicates that the speed limit in the school zone is 30 mph, which should help remind drivers to slow down in that area.
- Possible Mirror on Main Street – The TC was asked to look into the possibility of installing a mirror on Main Street where drivers exit the General Store. Robert Hyslop of NHDOT clarified that there are no rules barring a mirror on/near a state road but that it cannot interfere with highway maintenance/snow plowing and that the town must maintain mirror. The sign might be mounted on post behind guardrail. TC thinks mirror might be helpful for those pulling out of General Store turning left. Earl will research and talk with Steve and Wes – and not historic district issue, if appropriate.
- Branches blocking clear view of speed radar on Route 137: Earl agreed to cut the branches.
- Follow-up on Hancock Road around Lake Skatutakee:
- Mary Day drafted questions designed to get input from residents along Skatutakee about changes made this summer to improve safety on Hancock Road. Committee approved of questions. SWRPC has agreed to help with creation of a SurveyMonkey.
- TC suggests that survey be emailed to Lake Skatutakee Association and that it be posted on Town Website (with added question as to where respondent lives for Town Website users).
- Committee noted that yellow center lines are not fully reflective and may need to be re-painted. Should money be put in budget for 2025 Town Budget? No, but TC should request reflective paint in next repainting of the Hancock Rd.
- Radar updates: Russ and Ryan re-committed to meet with Earl to learn about how to download data from speed radars so that this info can be shared with the SB.
- TC job description for Select Board and update of Complete Streets Resolution
- TC agreed upon new job description to be submitted to Select Board (SB).
- TC agreed upon updated Complete Streets Resolution to be submitted to SB.
- Input on recycling center traffic flow and Kully’s proposed Draft Plan Improvements
- TC agreed on amendments to Kully’s draft to share with SB and Recycling Committee.
- TC will pass on all three documents to SB (Job Description, Resolution, Kully’s draft).
- Kully and Earl will meet with Ben of Recycling Center for final input on issues raised in Kully’s draft.
- Long-term goal planning for TC
- TC re-read summary of its August discussion on topic in and its public input from Old Home Days.
- Summary of Main Points:
-Safe passage for pedestrian traffic: Main St through the village is a major long-term concern.
-Speeding traffic is a worry for pedestrian safety.
-Access to and parking around boat ramps and beaches and St. Denis Community Center
-Master Plan included concept of Transportation Center to help manage parking and traffic volume; this may need to be looked at for the future.
-Walkability in Chesham and Eastview as well as Safe Routes to School need consideration.
-The TC and town may need consulting help to formulate and work with holistic proposals to solve issues noted above.
- c) TC will begin the process of prioritizing these issues at its next meeting.
- d) Mary Day will check with JB Mack on whether SWRPC can provide assistance in thinking about or addressing these issues.