Town of Natick
Safety Committee Minutes
October 31, 2006
The meeting was called to order by Sgt. Brian Lauzon, Safety Officer, at 9:30 a.m.
Members in attendance: Chief Sabourin Sgt. Lauzon
Charles Sisitsky Joan Craig
Patrick Reffett Robert Ward
John Slamin
Also in attendance: Shirley Brown, a resident of Megonko Road, as well as several representatives from Adams Street, East Street, and the Belkin Family Look Out Farm.
Approval of the June 19, 2006 Safety Committee Minutes: The committee VOTED to approve the minutes of the June 19, 2006 meeting, after Mr. Slamin's name was added to those in attendance.
OLD BUSINESS:
Adams Street: The committee continued discussion regarding the parking issue. The possibility of allowing trucks to unload in the middle of the street while the driver stays with the truck, expanding the loading zone and installation of a new "Loading Zone, 20 Minute Parking" sign, were considered. A suggestion was made that the dumpster on the sidewalk, which was placed there by Java Jim's be moved to another location. Mr. Reffett, the town of Natick Community Development Director, will look at plot plans for this property to determine property lines. NO VOTE was taken on this issue. The committee will revisit this issue at the November Safety Committee meeting.
Winter Street and Oak Street: Sgt. Lauzon informed the committee that he is working with Mr. Coviello, the Town Engineer, to realign the driveway for the Brandon Treatment Center. NO VOTE was taken on this issue. The committee will continue to be updated regarding the progress being made toward the realignment.
NEW BUSINESS:
East Street Parking and Traffic Safety: Several East Street residents voiced their concerns regarding the fact that the new curbing has narrowed the street. Area residents requested the committee consider recommending the speed limit to 20 MPH, turning the street into a one way, allow parking on one side of the roadway, or the installation of a sign indicating "No right turn between 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m." Another suggestion was to request a traffic study to determine the flow of traffic during that time period. DPW Director Sisitsky suggested that because the road has not yet been paved, it would be reasonable to wait until the end of November when the activity on the street has returned to normal. The committee VOTED TO TABLE the issue until the November Safety Committee Meeting in order to allow for
the paving of the roadway to be completed.
Request for the Installation of a Curved Mirror at 150 Union Street: The committee VOTED to recommend clearing the brush in the area of the blind driveway. It was also determined that the installation of a curved mirror could possibly cause motorists to become distracted, causing an even greater safety issue.
The Intersection of West Street and Campus Drive: Mr. Zachary Galvin, Natick High School Vice-Principal requested the committee consider recommending this intersection be made a four way stop with stop lines and proper signage. The committee VOTED to recommend the installation of proper signage and stop lines, in order to change this intersection into a four way stop.
Motor Vehicle Speed Enforcement on Gannett and Keene Road: The committee discussed a resident's concern regarding the speed of motor vehicles in this area. A traffic study will be done to determine the need for further action by the committee. No further action was taken by the committee until the results of the traffic study are made available.
Motor Vehicles Parking on Sidewalks on North Avenue, Pond, High and North Main Streets: Sgt. Lauzon agreed to continue to monitor this area for violations. No further action will be taken at this time.
Motor Vehicle Speed Enforcement on Rockland Street: Sgt. Lauzon will monitor this area to determine if the committee needs to make a recommendation. No action was taken by the committee at this time.
Parking and Safety Issues in the area of Loker Park: The committee discussed ways to allow visitors a safe area to park their vehicles when taking children to the park. No action was taken by the committee at this time. The committee agreed unanimously that consideration should be made to offer parking near the playground side of the park.
Belkin Family Look Out Farm: The committee heard from a representative of the farm who requested direction in the installation of signage in and around the area of the farm. The committee was informed that the owner of Winona Farm is being inconvenienced by visitors mistakenly stopping at the Winona Farm. The representative from the Belkin Family informed the committee that the business owner will pay for signs and posts. Mr. Sisitsky, DPW Director, agreed that the town will install the signs, as long as they have been approved by the MUTCD. The committee VOTED to recommend the installation of an overhead light in the vicinity of the driveway to assist the detail officer during events at the farm.
Megonko Road Homeowner Access: The resident at #6 Megonko Road, Ms. Shirley Brown, attended this meeting to share her concerns regarding property lines and the construction of a garage on the road. Mr. Reffett, the town of Natick Community Development Director stated that he would request the building inspector take a closer look at the property lines to determine if the newly constructed garage is on town property. The resident brought with her a document, dating back to December 19, 1980, stating that Megonko Road is a public way. A motion was made to TABLE this issue to await recommendations from the building inspector.
Traffic Safety Sergeant Concerns: The committee was updated regarding the following areas of concern to the Traffic Safety Sergeant:
Oak Street and Bacon Street Curbing: Sgt. Lauzon updated the committee on the progress of this project.
Oak Knoll Road & Rte 27: Sgt. Lauzon updated the committee on the progress of this project.
Oxford Street & Peterson Road: Request to change sign. The committee determined that the sign currently in place is satisfactory for this intersection.
Grove Street @ Jennings Pond: A request was made for a stop sign, which would change the intersection into a three way stop. A request was made to have the building inspector check the compliance of bushes in the area which potentially are impeding motorist's views.
Pauline Drive @ Marion Street: A request was made for the installation of a "blind pedestrian" sign. The concern was addressed that there is no crosswalk in this area. The committee VOTED to have Sgt. Lauzon contact the Disability Commission to look at this area.
182 Mill Street: Community Development Director Reffett will have the Building Inspector look into this issue and report back to the committee.
Rte 16 @ South Street: Sgt. Lauzon informed the committee that this area has an excessive number of motor vehicle crashes, including that of a police officer on the way to a call. The committee VOTED to recommend the placement of a new sign to indicate a dangerous curve ahead, along with guardrail mounted directional arrows.
Stop Sign Request for the intersection of Fisher/Third/Loker: The committee VOTED not to make this recommendation.
Bay State Road at Marion: Sgt. Lauzon will take a closer look at this intersection.
Lincoln and Sherman: Mr. Slamin questioned why a new stop sign was put up at this intersection without committee recommendations.
Abandoned House on Mill Street: Prior to adjourning the meeting, Ms. Craig requested that the abandoned house on Mill Street be put back on the agenda for the November Meeting. The committee agreed to the necessity of revisiting this issue.
The committee adjourned at 12:05 p.m.
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