TOWN OF MANSFIELD

Traffic Authority

Minutes of the Meeting – May 7, 2009

Present:  Hultgren, Padick, Meitzler, Jackman

               Guests:  Jones, Tanner, Grunwald and Reinhardt

The decision not to move the handicapped spots in front of the Community Center was recapped for Tanner and Grunwald.

The advance green request at 32/275 is still pending with the DOT.

Hultgren said that the pedestrian safety awareness campaign with UConn was still waiting word from UConn regarding its efforts for this.  Hultgren will inquire as to its status.

Hultgren updated the Authority members on the status of the two new WRTD bus stops:  the Route 275 stop in front of the Community Center is in use and the stop near Clover Mill Road has been discontinued until substitute locations (northbound and southbound) can be located.

The tentative decisions regarding traffic concerns at the Anton/Baxter Road intersection were discussed with Reinhardt.  After discussion the following actions were endorsed by the Authority:

1) The stop sign on Anton Road will be replaced.

2) A keep right sign will be placed on the tree in the intersection.

3) The mailboxes in the intersection will be requested to be moved.

4) The police will be notified of the cars parking in the intersection as well as the cars often parked in the traveled way slightly south of the intersection on Baxter Road.

The DOT’s comments on the bus stop on Storrs Road just north of Mansfield Avenue were discussed.  After discussion a letter outlining the Authority’s suggestion to relocate the bus stop to the north was authorized.

Padick presented the plans for modifying the ingress/egress into the Bishop Center parking lot for use by the Storrs Center project.  After discussion, the Authority authorized a letter stating the Authority had no objections to the proposed modifications to the lot.

Grunwald and Tanner reported to the Authority that there was a considerable difference between the Town’s fine for parking in handicapped spots ($85) and the State’s fine for the same thing ($150).  They suggested that the Town increase it’s fine to match the State.  Authority members will verify this difference and discuss making such a recommendation at the next meeting.

The Tri-State Trek was approved.

The E. O. Smith Road Race was also approved.

Jones presented to the Authority his thoughts as to why the speed limit on Cedar Swamp Road should be lowered to 25 mph.  He said that the police would not give tickets to drivers going between 35 and 39 mph and this was a problem.  Authority members commented and explained the process changing a speed limit which included State Traffic Commission approval.  The matter was referred to the Department of Public Works for analysis and recommendation.  Jones also reported that the No Turn on Red Sign at Cedar Swamp and 195 was missing and should be replaced.  Hultgren will refer this to the State.

Speeding on Mansfield City Road near 791 was referred to the Department of Public Works for analysis.

Closing of roads (Route 195 and Bassetts Bridge Road) for the Memorial Day Parade was authorized.

Suggestions for changing the regular meeting date for the monthly Traffic Authority meeting were discussed.  The last Tuesday of the month seemed to be okay with those members presented, but an e-mail poll will be conducted of all members to find a suitable recurring date.

Respectfully submitted,

Lon Hultgren

Director of Public Works

cc:  Traffic Authority Members, Town Clerk, 2009 Traffic Authority File