Minutes of Transportation Committee (TC) Meeting, July 17, 2025

Next meeting: August 14, 2025, 8:30 am

Present: Mary Day Mordecai (chair), Russ Cobb, Roxanne Karter, Ned Hulbert, John Knight, Claire Lingham, Kully Mindemann, Police Chief Steve LaMears, Ryan Whitworth; Absent: Don Scott

Traffic Observation Updates

  • Four observations conducted during summer period to date
  • Claire completed one observation; Kully scheduled for next week
  • Ryan and Russ will complete additional observations
  • John scheduled for four observations
  • Weekend observations preferred when possible
  • Weather-dependent scheduling noted (rain unsuitable for observations)

Radar Data Management Simplification

  • Current system deemed too complex for committee needs based on Earl and Steve feedback; Ryan will be turning it over to Police Officer Matt.
  • Matt (town staff) agreed to take on radar data management:
    • Will receive training from Earl
    • Staff position considered beneficial for continuity
  • Complete radar dataset downloaded since recording began
  • Simplified reporting format needed to show:
    • Monthly traffic volume year-over-year
    • Speed outliers and timing data

Speed Limit Request – Main Street

  • Emily Drury requested 25 mph speed limit on Main Street due to truck speeds past her property. She feels that road repaving has exacerbated speeding issues.
  • DOT policy challenges identified:
    • DOT prefers 35 mph minimum on state roads
    • 30 mph requires significant justification
    • 25 mph legally questionable on current road classification
    • Town roads allow 25 mph limits
    • State road modifications require extensive DOT approval process
  • Status: pending consultation with DOT contacts

Select Board Reporting

  • Meeting scheduled for next Friday morning
  • Agenda to include:
    • VHB project updates
    • Hancock Road developments
    • Committee activity summary
  • Committee members invited to attend

Church Street Development Impact

  • No current updates on church construction timeline
  • Current traffic observations must be completed before construction begins, though we may also do some after completion.
  • Potential temporary measures discussed:
    • General Store closure consideration for a couple of days
    • Parking management during construction

DOT Traffic Volume Strips

  • Installation scheduled for Friday
  • Two-week data collection period recommended
  • Strip locations determined:
    • Near Red Barn (upper location)
    • Lower Church Street area (lower location)
  • Dual placement captures bidirectional traffic flow
  • Vehicle classification data included (cars vs trucks)
  • Timing: post-road painting completion

VHB Engineering Study Review

John and Mary Day noted that the involvement of SWRPC’s J.B. Mack and the NCDOT regional engineer was very helpful.

Note: Rex Baker (Historic District Commission) consultation revealed:

  • There is a current policy requiring wooden guard rail posts to be replaced with similar posts
  • HDC can vote exceptions for alternative materials
  • Replacement flexibility exists

After a lengthy discussion, the TC decided that Mary Day and John will write up a summary of questions to discuss with SWRPC’s J.B. Mack and Todd Horner. This will enable us to determine the feasibility of a MAST grant follow-up to this initial study.  Various issues need to be researched regarding the viability of submitting a MAST grant by the September 15 deadline.

Some of the issues noted: Legal counsel on liability issues, such as trail vs. prepared walkway risks; seasonal risks if walkways are not maintained year-round; ADA compliance; construction on both private property and town property.  All of this pre-work will prepare us to report to Town Boards and to engage the larger community in the process.

MAST Complete Streets Grant

  • Total funding available: $130,000 for Monadnock region.
  • Application deadline: September 15, 2025
  • Grant categories:
    • Infrastructure construction projects (requires adopted complete streets policy)
    • Non-infrastructure projects (planning, engineering, education)
  • Grant application team:
    • Claire and Ryan agreed to act as primary writers if we decide to proceed.
    • Mary Day agreed to provide assistance since she was involved in writing the two previous grants.

Stone Trust Volunteer Opportunity – Ryan to investigate

  • Dry stone wall restoration organization based in Dummerston, Vermont
  • Potential application for local stone wall repairs
  • Retaining wall expertise also available

Next Steps

  • B. Mack consultation meeting scheduled to address:
    • Legal responsibility questions
    • ADA compliance requirements
    • Property ownership clarification
    • Grant application feasibility
    • VHB capacity for additional research
  • Question compilation for J.B. Mack meeting
  • Select board update to focus on process status, not recommendations