Town of Natick
Safety Committee Minutes
January 24, 2006
The meeting was called to order by Chief Mannix, Chairman, at 10:05 a.m.
Members in attendance: Robert Ward, Sr. John Slamin Charlie Sisitsky
Joan Craig Ron Ordway Chief Mannix
Mike Melchiorri Sgt. Lauzon
Approval of the September 27, 2005 Safety Committee Minutes: The committee VOTED to approve the minutes of the September 27, 2005 meeting.
OLD BUSINESS:
Pedestrian Warning Sign Locations: The committee discussed the established protocol for placement of pedestrian warning signs, both in school areas and throughout the town in general. Crosswalks should be marked with double-backed high visibility (lime green) signs on both sides of the roadway.
Installation of Signs for Temple Israel: Done. (Mr. Sisitsky)
CITIZEN PETITIONS:
· Request for Stop Signs on Boden Lane: The committee reviewed a petition signed by over forty Natick residents requesting that the committee evaluate potential solutions to the number of vehicles traveling on Boden Lane and the speed at which these vehicles are traveling. The petitioners are also requesting the installation of a stop sign and/or blinking red lights at the intersection of Greenleaf Road and Boden Lane. The committee declined to recommend installation of the requested stop signal, since the warrant requirements as indicated in the U.S. Department of Transportation Manual on Uniform Traffic Control are not met by the traffic flow on Boden Lane. Speed
enforcement will continue to be directed by the police department.
· Cottage Street Concerns - Speed Limit and Condition of Roadway: The committee received a petition from Cottage Street residents requesting further review of the speed limits, particularly in the more heavily populated section of the street (northern end). They also requested that the committee begin the process of having Cottage Street accepted as a public way. After discussion with neighborhood representatives, Chief Mannix promised continuing speed enforcement through directed patrols. DPW Director Sisitsky will investigate the engineering requirements necessary for acceptance as a public way.
· Upcoming Construction Concerns and the Potential Impact on Wellesley Road Extension: The committee received a request from the Protect East Natick Group regarding the potential impact of residents if Wellesley Road Extension becomes a through-way as the result of the upcoming construction of new residential homes. They suggested three possible alternatives:
- Remain a dead end street (or)
- Construct a cul-de-sac (or)
- Make it a one way street
Since the construction of the throughway is already complete, the committee VOTED to recommend installation of stop signs on Wellesley Ave. Extension at Oxford on both sides, as well as placing steep grade warning signs to warn motorists in advance of the intersection.
· Oak Street and Winter Street Intersection: The committee received a request to review the configuration of the Winter Street/Oak Street intersection. The intersection is now wider than necessary, inviting unsafe movement of vehicles on and off Winter Street. The petitioner suggested the installation of an island at the corner and dividing line indicating the proper location to take a left turn. DPW Director Sisitsky will discuss the efficacy and feasibility of narrowing the intersection and placing a dividing island at the intersection.
· Speen Street “School Bus Stop Ahead”: The traffic safety officer requested the installation of a school bus law sign on the right as you enter Natick from Sherborn. The committee VOTED to recommend installation of a school bus stop ahead sign with additional language indicating the penalty for not stopping for a school bus.
FROM THE TRAFFIC SAFETY SERGEANT:
· Adams Street: The committee VOTED to recommend the replacement of the “No Parking Loading Zone” signs with “Loading Zone - 20 Minute Parking Only” on the west side. The Town Engineer will be asked to determine the town-owned property line on the east side of the street.
· The Municipal Parking Lot: Traffic Safety Sergeant Lauzon requested consideration for placement of signage indicating entry and exit areas for the municipal parking lot between Pond Street and West Central Street. Sergeant Lauzon will consult with DPW engineer Mark Coviello and make a specific recommendation at the next committee meeting.
· Maple Avenue “No Parking” Signs: Traffic Safety Sergeant Lauzon requested that no parking signs be installed on Maple Avenue. The Town Engineer will look at this location to determine if this area is the property of Natick High School which would make it the responsibility of the school department. Mr. Galvin, the Natick High School Vice-Principal will be notified.
· Replacement of “No Parking” Signs on Pond Street: The committee considered a report that no parking signs on Pond Street and elsewhere are illegible. Traffic Safety Sergeant Lauzon will report on the signs to be replaced at the next committee meeting.
· Parking on East Street at Route 27: The committee VOTED to approve a request for a “No Parking Here to Corner” sign be placed on East Street, 20 feet from its intersection with Route 27 on both sides of the street.
· No Parking Signs on Washington Street: Traffic Safety Sergeant Lauzon requested the west side of Washington Street, twenty feet from the intersection of Washington Street and North Avenue be posted “No Parking – here to corner.” So voted.
· No Parking Signs on Pitts Street: Traffic Safety Sergeant Lauzon requested the installation of “No Parking” signs twenty feet from both sides of the school driveway. So voted.
· Handicap Accessibility on East Evergreen Street: Traffic Safety Sergeant Lauzon requested constructing two crosswalks near the Bennett Hemenway School; one in front of the school and the other near the driveway. The middle crosswalk would then be eliminated. The curb cuts would then be completed. So voted.
· No Parking Fire Lane Signs at Kimball Court: Traffic Safety Sergeant Lauzon requested “no parking” signs be installed to provide a fire lane on the building side of the street. So voted.
· No Right Turn at Gannett/Keene/Cooper Intersection: The committee considered a request from Traffic Safety Sergeant Lauzon for the installation of a “No Right Turn” sign at the intersection of Gannett/Keene and Cooper Streets. The committee agreed for the need of a sign at this location and VOTED to make this recommendation to the Board of Selectmen.
· No Parking Signs in front of the Lilja School: Traffic Safety Sergeant Lauzon requested that “No Parking Monday-Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.” signs be installed on the school and residential side of Bacon Street. So voted.
· Oak Street and Bacon Street Curbing: Traffic Safety Sergeant Lauzon indicated the need for curbing on both sides of Oak Street at Bacon Street, both east and west. Committee members will take a closer look at this request and will continue discussion at the next Safety Committee Meeting.
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