BROCKTON TRAFFIC COMMISSION Thursday, February 22, 2018 6:00 p.m. MINUTES The Traffic Commission held its regular monthly meeting at 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 22, 2018 at the City of Brockton, DPW Utilities Sewer/Water Office located at 39 Montauk Road, Brockton, MA 02301. Present were Traffic Commissioners: John Hallisey, DPW Commissioner Larry Rowley, Deputy Fire Chief Kevin Galligan, Kenneth Galligan, Councilor Timothy Cruise and Councilor Thomas Monahan. Also present were: Janice Manning and Elizabeth Boyar, Blossom Francis, Sheryl DiGiovanni, Gail Madera, Catarina Barros, Councilor Jack Lally, Councilor Susan Nicastro and Frances Arriag. There being a proper quorum, the meeting was called to order by Commissioner Hallisey. Upon motion made by Deputy Fire Chief Kevin Galligan, seconded by Councilor Thomas Monahan, and a unanimous vote of all members present, it was voted to waive the reading of the January 25, 2018 Minutes. OLD BUSINESS 1. 65 NORTH MAIN STREET DRA COR Request received by Councilor Thomas Monahan on behalf of Vincent Brancaccio, business & property owner of Dra Cor Industries at 65 North Main Street in Brockton. Mr. Brancaccio would like to know if is possible to convert 3 or 4 parking spots in front of his building over to an active loading zone. The reason being is that he has to currently live double park tractor trailers on North Main Street while they drive out & unload the trucks with a forklift. This creates a huge problem with people trying to get around us. We sometime park trucks across the street or down the road & unload from there. That creates a safety issue with driving a forklift with pallets of goods on them while crossing or driving down Main Street. The other safety issue is there is a Fire Station on one side of us & the ambulance company down the 1
street on the other side of us. If it was possible to convert at least spots #1, #2, & #3 (see attached Diagram) at a bare minimum to a loading zone, we could alleviate all the issues we are having. I would also request spot #4 if possible because when we have 53 long trailers come in it would help them to get in close to the curb. SUBCOMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION: NO PARKING SIGN ON LIGHT POLE #5285 WITH ARROW POINTING NORTH; NO PARKING SIGN ON VERIZON POLE #630, AND NO PARKING 8FT. SOUTH OF DRIVEWAY OF MATTA S GARAGE. Discussion: Mr. Brancaccio informed the subcommittee that the trailers would not be parked there for a substantial amount of time and will be idling while being unloaded. Ken Galligan pointed out that because of the loss of the 3 parking spaces, people could park on Linden Street because the north side of the street is unrestricted parking. Upon motion duly made by Deputy Galligan, seconded by DPW Commissioner Rowley, and a VOTED: TO APPROVE THE SUBCOMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION. 2. REQUEST RECEIVED FROM DEPUTY FIRE CHIEF KEVIN GALLIGAN #2 Review of road safety audit for Centre St & Plymouth St and review on street parking in area including Court St, Plymouth St, Centre St, and Commercial St. SUBCOMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION: Add NO PARKING HERE to CORNER sign on the west side of Plymouth St from Center St south 60' from the intersection. Add a STOP AHEAD (W3 1) Sign on Plymouth St east side of the street for northbound traffic across from Stillman Ave (North intersection) Add STOP sign on Plymouth St west side of the street for northbound traffic at Centre St Add STOP AHEAD (W3 1) sign on Plymouth St west side of the street 265' north of the intersection with Centre St south of the curb cut. Add STOP sign on Plymouth St east side of the street for southbound traffic at Centre St. Add "CROSS TRAFFIC DOES NOT STOP" (W4 4P) plaque to existing and new STOP signs Add "NO PARKING HERE to CORNER" on Centre St south side of street west of Plymouth St at the driveway in front of 191 Centre St. Change existing sign at Centre St & Plymouth St Southwest corner on Centre St from NO PARKING HERE TO CORNER to NO PARKING. Remove the white stop line on Centre St for eastbound traffic. 2
Discussion: Deputy Galligan stated that the subcommittee took the OCPC s study of the area and adopted all of their recommendations. Once approved, legal notice would not be required on the stop signs because they are not new stop signs. Ken Galligan suggested that they put up 30 stop signs instead of the standard 24 because it s such a big intersection. It was discussed that the oversized signs be put up now rather than waiting. A Motion was made to accept the subcommittee s recommendation and send to state for approval. OCPC should be contacted to inform them that the board accepted their recommendations. Upon motion duly made by Deputy Galligan, seconded by Councilor Cruise, and a unanimous vote of the members present, it was VOTED: TO APPROVE THE SUBCOMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION AND SEND TO THE STATE FOR APPROVAL. 3. NORTH QUINCY STREET & NORTH CARY STREET Request received from Councilor Jack Lally on behalf of the resident whose property was just recently damaged subsequent to the guardrail being installed. SUBCOMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION: POLE #86 HIGH INTENSITY STREET LIGHT L.E.D. #135; NORTH QUINCY STREET FOR NORTHBOUND TRAFFIC CHANGE ARROW SIGN FROM 90 ARROW TO 45 ARROW WITH INTERSECTING SIGN; NORTH CARY WITH FLASHING YELLOW ARROW ON SIGNAL MAST; STRICT TRAFFIC ENFORCEMENT LIDAR FOR SPEEDING IN THIS AREA, AND WHEN LINE PAINTING RESUMES, CHANGE DOUBLE YELLOW LINES AND STOP LINE TO CURVE. Discussion: Deputy Galligan commented that on the North Cary Street flashing sign, what the subcommittee is proposing is a 3 x 3 diamond with a flashing curve that is identical to the one on Centre Street and Short Street. The yellow sign and the outline of the arrow itself blinks and will be put on the current mast arm. On the Motion, Ken Galligan brought up that the subcommittee also discussed the flashing lights that are currently on the mast arm and putting up a yellow double head possibly with arrows. Deputy Galligan stated the they are checking the controller to see if compatible with that flash pattern and what the cost would be. Deputy Galligan further stated that they were 3
considering putting a yellow arrow on the signal, but that would be something that would be put before CDM because there are more meanings to a yellow arrow. Ken Galligan said that it was also discussed to move the 25mph signs further back from the current locations because it s right at the curve and people don t have time react. Upon motion duly made by Councilor Cruise, seconded by DPW Commissioner Rowley, and a VOTED: TO APPROVE THE SUBCOMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS. 4. LORING STREET Request received from Councilor Jack Lally on behalf of residents who find it difficult entering and exiting Loring Street onto North Quincy due to the bend in the road and vehicles speeding. SUBCOMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION: DISCUSSION FOR OPTIONS. Discussion: Discovered that the sign was spelled wrong. Councilor Lally spoke and stated a resident told him that there was a prior discussion that was before zoning to make Loring a one way street. Some residents approve, some do not. Deputy Galligan stated that one option discussed was to make it a one way but resident support would be needed prior to doing so. Also discussed was putting a No Left Turn sign coming out of Loring Street onto North Quincy Street. Councilor Lally stated that he would go door to door of the residents to get their thoughts and report back to the board. A Motion was made to postpone this item to the March meeting to allow Councilor Lally to contact the residents and obtain their feedback. Upon motion duly made by DPW Commissioner Rowley, seconded by Councilor Cruise, and a VOTED: TO APPROVE THE SUBCOMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION TO POSTPONE TO THE 3/22/18 TRAFFIC COMMISSION MEETING. 5. DOVER STREET CHARITY GUILD Request received from Councilor Susan Nicastro on behalf of a Ward 4 property owner for a 'Loading Zone No Parking" sign on Dover Street at the side door of The Charity Guild, Inc.'s property at 501 Main Street (corner of Main and Dover Streets). The Guild has repeatedly been unable to receive deliveries from Greater Boston Food Bank and other food sources due to access being blocked by vehicles parked beside its deliveries door on left side of building on Dover Street. These deliveries provide much of the food provided to Guild Food Pantry clients. 4
SUBCOMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION: NO PARKING LOADING ZONE END OF PROPERTY LINE ARROW EAST, AND NO PARKING LOADING ZONE IN FRONT OF BARRIER WALL ARROW WEST. Discussion: The subcommittee met with the representative and he was pleased with the recommendation. Councilor Nicastro thanked the board. Motion was made to approve the signs. Upon motion duly made by Ken Galligan, seconded by Councilor Cruise, and a unanimous vote of the members present, it was VOTED: TO APPROVE THE SUBCOMMITTEE RECOMENDATION. PENDING MEDICAL DOCUMENTATION 6. 353 SPRING STREET Request received from Councilor Tom Monahan on behalf of Catrina Barros who is requesting a HANDICAPPED PARKING ONLY sign in front of her residence at 353 Spring Street. *INVITATION TO ATTEND 2/22/18 MEETING WAS MAILED 2/9/18. Discussion: Catarina Barros appeared and stated that she is the caregiver for her mother and provided a handicapped placard issued to her mother. Ms. Barros was asked if there was a driveway at her residence in which she responded that there was. Ms. Barros explained that they always have problems in the winter because there are cars parked in front of her house. Ms. Barros stated that she preferred to park in front of her house rather than in her driveway as it was easier. The vehicle is registered to Ms. Barros and the placard is issued to her mother who has no vehicle. Councilor Cruise asked Ms. Barros what the expiration date of the placard was and was told September 3, 2021. Primary vehicle is an Accura, registration 1BZ576. A Motion was made to refer to subcommittee. On the Motion, Councilor Cruise suggested that if approved by the subcommittee, that it be approved through the expiration date (9/3/21) and have them return to reapply with the new handicapped placard. The resident should be notified to reapply prior to expiration and if no response, the sign will be taken down. It was also suggested that the approval applies to one vehicle only. Ken Galligan suggested instituting a policy that the records the secretary keeps relative to handicapped signs would monitor the expiration date and notify the board at its regular meeting that the sign has expired and have not been notified either way as to whether continue or that the sign is no longer needed. The board will make a vote to notify the resident to ask for status update. It was recommended to put on next month s agenda to discuss the new policy to put in place. 5
Upon motion duly made by Ken Galligan, seconded by Councilor Monahan, and a unanimous vote of the members present, it was VOTED: REFER TO SUBCOMMITTEE AND TO PUT ON THE 3/22/18 AGENDA TO DISCUSS THE NEW HANDICAPPED SIGN ISSUANCE POLICY. NEW BUSINESS 7. MYRTLE STREET AND BERNICE AVENUE Request received from City Council President Dennis Eaniri for a DEAD END sign placed at Myrtle Street at Bernice Ave. (Myrtle Street crosses over Grafton St., Bouve Ave. and Bernice Ave.(Myrtle St. ends off of Bernice Ave.) Discussion: Recommended to place a dead end sign for Myrtle Street at Bernice Avenue. Upon motion duly made by Ken Galligan, seconded by DPW Commissioner Rowley, and a VOTED: TO APPROVE THE REQUEST FOR A DEAD END SIGN TO BE PLACED FOR MYRTLE STREET AT BERNICE AVENUE. 8. MONTELLO STREET & EAST NILSSON STREET Request received from Councilor Susan Nicastro on behalf of Mr. Adalbert Jacquet, of 832 Montello Street, who requests action to address frequent auto collisions happening at the intersection of Montello and East Nilsson Streets. Please evaluate this intersection for the addition of traffic controls such as street light, or stop signs on all four corners, to allow cars to safely cross Montello on E. Nilsson. Discussion: Ken Galligan stated that this will go to subcommittee and suggested prohibiting parking on the west side of Montello Street from Nilssen Street northerly. Also to replace the stop signs with 30 stop signs on both sides of Nilssen Street. The stops signs are reflective and red stripes will be placed on the poles. Upon motion duly made by Councilor Cruise, seconded by Councilor Monahan, and a VOTED: TO REFER TO SUBCOMMITTEE. 6
ADDITIONS: 9. 225 SUMMER STREET AREA Request of Ward 4 Councilor Susan Nicastro on behalf of Pastor Frances Arriaga Caban, parent of the late Isaias Caban, a 15 year old Brockton resident who died in May 2017 when the car he was a front seat passenger in hit a tree near 225 Summer Street after the 19 year old driver lost control at excessive speed. Please evaluate the area of Summer Street where this accident took place; would the addition of a blinking sign, reflectors, and/or speed bumps, or some other marking increase the awareness of drivers of the street's curviness and encourage drivers, especially young drivers, to slow down? Discussion: The above recommendations were discussed and a Motion was made to refer to subcommittee. Upon motion duly made by Ken Galligan, seconded by Deputy Fire Chief Kevin Galligan, and a VOTED: TO REFER TO SUBCOMMITTEE. 10. SOUTHFIELD DRIVE AND CARL AVENUE Request received from Councilor Susan Nicastro on behalf of several residents for evaluation of the intersection of Southfield Drive and Carl Avenue for the addition of Resident Only Parking Signs. The need for this signage arises from frequent parking of cars by guests and visitors to Davis Commons, who leave cars for multiple days parked on the neighbors lawns or partially in their driveways. Garbage including full diapers, takeout containers, and other discarded debris is often left in the street and on neighbors lawns. At times parked cars with engines running sit in front of neighbors homes for a long time at all hours. When police have responded to calls, the neighbors were told this signage is needed to tow the cars. The cumulative effects of these activities is upsetting and disturbing the neighbors quality of life. Discussion: Councilor Nicastro appeared with residents Blossom Francis, Sheryl DiGiovanni and Gail Madera who provided pictures. Councilor Nicastro stated that she has contacted the manager of Davis Commons and is waiting for a call back from the assistant manager. Councilor Nicastro went on to say that she has been told by residents that the people that are leaving their cars are guests/visitors at Davis Commons and further stated that she has driven through their parking lot and it appears that there are sufficient parking spaces. Councilor Nicastro was told that last year they instituted a parking by permit only on their grounds. There are ample parking spaces to designate as additional guest parking. Francis Arriaga Caban stated that she goes to Davis Commons frequently for home visits and each building has 4 visitor parking spaces and a lot of empty parking spaces. She suggested that Davis Commons add more spaces for visitors. 7
Residents were informed that if a vehicle is blocking any part of a driveway, they will be towed. Commissioner Hallisey asked the residents call the business line of the police department when cars are parked there or are blocking the driveway and to continue to do so until a cruiser appears and the cars are ticketed or towed. A residents explained that her vehicle cannot be seen when exiting her driveway because of cars being parked obstructing the view and also that school buses and fire engines have difficulty maneuvering around the curve with the cars parked where they are. Another problem is speeding and running the stop sign at Southfield and Carl Ave. The board was told anytime after 5:00 p.m. is when this occurs mostly. Residents then went on to describe the trash being thrown in the area, on their property and also provided photos and stated that there is a trash barrel at the end of the street. They were told that this is not an issue that the Traffic Commission can address. Ken Galligan explained the meaning of resident only parking signs and what it entails and went on to comment that it will move the violators to another street within the area moving the problem to other residents. Also, he explained that resident only designations has to be all encompassing and not in front of a couple of houses. Mr. Galligan continued by stating that most likely the zoning in that area was residential and in order for Davis Commons to go in, there would have been zoning relief. He suggested to go back and take a look at the zoning records/decisions to see what was required for parking and what they have done with the parking. He further suggested that a visit to Davis Commons should be made to address the parking problem. The building inspector can order them to have an engineer provide to the Traffic Commission an engineered plan of what parking is available on the property. A Motion was made to: 1. Have Traffic Commissioner visit the new owners and talk to the manager at Davis Commons and make them aware of the parking problems of residents in the area, and 2. Look at the zoning decision on the amount of parking spaces. 3. Notify the owners on an official letter sent by the Building Department that we want certification that parking spaces exist. Upon motion duly made by Ken Galligan, seconded by Deputy Fire Chief Kevin Galligan, and a VOTED: TO REFER TO SUBCOMMITTEE WITH THE ABOVE RECOMMENDATIONS. 8
11. NEW HEIGHTS CHARTER SCHOOL 1690 MAIN STREET Request received from the New Heights Charter School, Head of School, Mrs. Janice Manning, who would like to discuss their needs for signs and crosswalks. Initially, Mrs. Manning was referred to the state because the state highway ends after the school s driveway. Mrs. Manning contacted the state who referred her to the MUTCD Section 7E 5 School Zone Signs on State Highways. According to Mrs. Manning, they further highlighted pages 66 & 67 which highlighted the following language: 7E 5 School Zone Signs on State Highways "It is the policy of the department to install standard warning signs at all approaches to potentially hazardous locations. In the case of a school abutting a State Highway, the Department will, by permit, authorize the establishment of School Zones at the request of the municipality wherein the highway lies. All costs for the establishment and maintenance of a school zone speed limit on State Highway shall be borne by the municipality. A permit for each School Zone will be issued to the municipality setting forth the applicable terms for the zone operation." Discussion: New Heights is a public charter school and located on a state highway. The state highway ends at their driveway. It was mentioned that there are traffic signals approximately 350 north of the school. It was confirmed by Deputy Galligan that the signals have pedestrian phasing. They need signs to have vehicles slow down. Permission from the state is required if school zone flashing lights are approved by this board with the cost being City s responsibility. Councilor Cruise requested that an opinion be provided by the City Solicitor on who would pay for the electricity after installation. DPW Commissioner Rowley also wanted the request to include answers to who would pay for the purchase and installation of the school zone flashing signs. He went on to say that this would be installing 2 new signs plus crosswalks and that the costs would be much higher than a replacement sign. City Council approval may be required for an appropriation. A question was asked about who owns the structure and who is responsible for repairs. Deputy Galligan stated that this commission could approve the establishment of a school zone regardless of paint, signs and lights which would then give the ability for someone to come in and put in paint, signs and lights regardless of who is paying for it. What needs to be established is who owns the signs and who pays for it. A Motion was made to refer to subcommittee and do research as well as setting up a meeting with Building Department, State, Brockton Public Schools and the City Solicitor s office. Upon motion duly made by Ken Galligan, seconded by Councilor Monahan, and a unanimous vote of the members present, it was VOTED: TO REFER TO SUBCOMMITTEE WITH THE ABOVE RECOMMENDATIONS. 9
There being no further business to come before the Commission upon motion duly made by Commissioner John Hallisey, seconded by Deputy Fire Chief Kevin Galligan and a unanimous vote of the members present, it was VOTED: to Adjourn. Respectfully submitted, Mary Milligan Secretary to the Traffic Commission 10